Here he struck among puddles and in the twilight of a Sydney evening as most spectators were driving home. It was a typical Warne delivery delivered from around the wicket, and spun hard, it pitched on a length after curling and dying and then sprang to life as it broke through an expertly constructed defence. Warne raised his arms in joy. He had taken his 300th Test wicket, and beaten another worthy foe. The game was alive.
Nothing is more exciting than the arrival of a new champion.
He continued with this blistering and accomplished innings played against a fierce attack on a rock-hard surface beyond his experience and everyone else's capability. All present knew that a great player had emerged, a cricketer bound to illuminate the scene for the next 15 years. Tendulkar has not disappointed. Meanwhile, smoke billowed around the ground from the dreadful bushfires burning around Sydney. By lunch, it was over, yet much happened in those early hours.