Arjuna Ranatunga – The No Handshake Incident
Australia has always been known for giving plenty when it comes to sledging. Few did it better than Shane Warne, who mixed sharp words with sharp spin to get into opponents' heads. But in Johannesburg, 1994, on Australia's historic first tour of South Africa since their re-admission, the master of mind games was caught off guard.
Brian McMillan, the strong South African all-rounder, had enough of Warne's jokes, and what followed became one of cricket’s strangest off-field moments.
The Background
The rivalry began during South Africa's tour of Australia before 1994. After a run-out mix-up with Peter Kirsten, Warne teased McMillan: “Looks like you don't fancy it very much, Depardieu." (McMillan resembled French actor Gérard Depardieu).
McMillan shot back coldly: "A lot of people go missing every day in South Africa… one more won't be noticed."
He later even joked about using Warne as shark bait. Warne laughed it off, but admitted to Mark Taylor nervously: "Do you think he meant it?"
The Incident
At lunch during the first Test at the Wanderers, the Australian team was eating in their dressing room when the door suddenly opened. In came McMillan, holding an AK-47 borrowed from a policeman outside, and shouting: "Right, I've had enough of you Australians."
For a few seconds, the room froze. Warne, usually the confident one, was rattled. Then McMillan laughed, put the gun aside, and the tension broke. Some accounts say he even offered the Aussies a beer.
The Aftermath
Warne later wrote: "It seemed my sledging had gone too far when McMillan stormed in holding a gun… It was scary for a second or two, then we all laughed. He is a character; the game needs them."
No punishment followed. In the 1990s, such incidents were brushed off as part of cricket's rough edges — though in today's game, it would have been taken far more seriously.
Explore More Stories
2005 Ashes: The Summer Cricket Became Theatre
The 2005 Ashes was more than just a cricket series. It was a rollercoaster of emotion, courage, and unforgettable moments that brought Test cricket back to life. England’s long wait finally ended, and the world watched history unfold.
What Happened to Zimbabwe Cricket? The Rise, Fall, and Fight for Survival
Once they challenged the world’s best, now they struggle to stay afloat. Zimbabwe cricket’s journey from the glory of 1999 to years of chaos and heartbreak is a story of politics, power, and lost pride, and of a nation still dreaming of revival.
Final Note
The Johannesburg gun stunt remains one of cricket's most bizarre flashpoints. Warne's words had finally been turned back on him, and for once the great sledger was lost for words.
