Australia cricket legend and the greatest leg-spinner of all time, Shane Warne, has died, aged 52. Warne’s management released a brief statement in the early hours of Saturday (AEDT), that he passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reads.
Warne, who was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century, claimed 708 Test wickets in a 15-year career for Australia between 1992 and 2007, and was also a World Cup winner in 1999.
Hours before his death Warne had tweeted on the demise of former Australian legend Rod Marsh.
Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate❤️
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 4, 2022
Warne was credited for bowling the “bowl of the century” when he dismissed England batsman Mike Gatting in the 1993 Ashes.
— Andrew Beasley 💙 (@BassTunedToRed) March 4, 2022
The ball that was pitched outside leg stump spun immensely to hit Mike Gatting’s off stump.
The cricket fraternity expressed shock over Warne’s sudden death as messages continued to pour in on social media websites.
Babar Azam
Find it hard to believe. Such a devastating loss for the cricket world. He literally inspired generations with his magical leg spin. You’ll forever be missed #ShaneWarne. My heart and prayers goes to his family, friends, and fans. #legend pic.twitter.com/pigrD785gC
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) March 4, 2022
Kumar Sangakkara
Absolutely shocked and gutted to hear about @ShaneWarne legend and friend. Just Can’t believe it.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) March 4, 2022
Waqar Younis
Shane Warne no more..
I’m Shocked and Shattered.Simply can’t believe I’m hearing this.Very very sad day for our cricket community.The biggest superstar of my generation gone.Goodbye Legend @ShaneWarne #RIP Condolences to the family and friends. pic.twitter.com/TRWstn6knq— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) March 4, 2022
David Warner
Two legends of our game have left us too soon. I’m lost for words, and this is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family. I just can not believe it. #rip, you will both be missed https://t.co/gduLY9bIwg
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 4, 2022
Shahid Afridi
The game of cricket has lost what I consider a university of leg-spin bowling today. I was inspired by his bowling from the start of my career and it was always a privilege to play against him. My deepest condolences are with Warne’s family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/Uht87qDcJ5
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 4, 2022
Shadab Khan
#NewProfilePic
To the greatest legspinner of all time= Shane Warne. The reason I started bowling legspin. Rest in power. There will be none like you. Few people have the power to inspire generations, you are the reason so many of us started bowling legspin. #Legend @ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/iYPdAwYS7Q— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) March 4, 2022
Rohit Sharma
I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 4, 2022
Ian Bell
There are no words. A hero growing up and the greatest player I ever played against. I can’t believe it.
My thoughts are with his loved ones. https://t.co/NEN2VwbUtJ— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) March 4, 2022
