Top Australian cricket mentor passes away
Terry Jenner, mentor to the Aussie cricket spin bowler sensation Shane Warne, has died at age 66 due to heart problems and complications. His long battle with the illness ended this morning at his home, much to the grief of his family, friends, colleagues, and past protégés. Jenner was one of the top Cricket coaches in Australia and has devoted most of his life to the sport.
Peter Young, Cricket Australia's official spokesperson, extended his condolences by proclaiming Jenner's exemplary coaching career that yielded top athletes from all generations, including Shane Warne who held the world record for spin bowling and, is known as one of the best in the history of the sport.
Jenner played nine test games as a leg spin bowler between 1970 and 1975 and was commended for his unusual but effective loopy style attacks. After a short playing career and a couple of scandalous endeavors (including a short prison sentence for stealing employee funds), Jenner started coaching leg bowling at the Australian Cricket Academy in 1988 - a career move that permanently marked his legacy in Australian cricket. This was also when he started to dramatically influence Shane Warne's historical and fruitful career.
Dubbed by his younger players as the original "Spin Doctor", Terry Jenner continued to coach a flock of other aspiring cricket athletes who then became dominant frontrunners of the league. Young mentioned that Jenner was the type who "connected" with the younger players because he wanted to make sure each man uses his full potential to become the best bowler he can be. Young adds it is certain that each and every top spin bowler in Australia has become Jenner's student, and that they had the strength to perform well because of their inspiring coach.
Terry Jenner's funeral will take place at the Adelaide Oval where most national and local games are held. The date and time is yet to be announced by Jenner's family.