UNI
 
London, Sep 15: Shane Warne turned 37 on Wednesday and the best birthday gift came from the Southampton Solent University, which conferred an honorary doctorate on the flamboyant Aussie leggie at a special ceremony at Hampshire's Rose Bowl.

Deviating from the traditional university graduation ceremony, a procession of university high officers, made their way to the boundary rope in front of the pavilion.

Warne received his degree scroll wearing customary academic dress.

Professor Glyn Tonge, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Board Governors of Southampton Solent University, said, ''As arguably the greatest bowler who has ever lived, Shane Warne is highly deserving of this honorary doctorate. His sporting success is an inspiration to all, and is particularly close to our own hearts given the university's commitment to sporting achievement.

"We felt it was only fitting to break with tradition and confer this degree at the Rose Bowl, the home of Hampshire cricket, in recognition of the huge contribution he has made not only to international cricket but to the success and popularity of cricket in the Hampshire region,'' he added.