Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne has died. The greatest leg-spinner of all-time suffered a suspected heart attack in Thailand. He was 52.
A brief statement has been issued by Warne's management, which read: “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests a privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."
Just hours before his death, Warne had tweeted a tribute to Rod Marsh, who died earlier the same day, eight days after suffering a heart attack: "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."
Warne is the greatest leg-spinner of all time, having taken 708 Test match wickets, a figure only surpassed by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.
He also took 293 One-Day International wickets and made more than 300 appearances for Australia across all formats.
Warne helped Australia win the Cricket World Cup in 1999 and has taken more wickets than any other bowler in Ashes cricket, with 195. Since retiring, he had enjoyed a career as a much-loved commentator.
Reaction has started pouring in on social media. England Cricket wrote: "One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne."
England’s Barmy Army tweeted: "Simply can't believe we are writing this. RIP Shane Warne, one of the game's best characters and finest bowlers. Forever etched in Ashes history."
Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag tweeted: "Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more. Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world."
Indian cricketer Amit Mishra wrote: "Extremely sad to hear about the passing away of the legendary cricketer Shane Warne. I consider him my idol & I chose to be a spinner only because of him. My heartfelt condolences to his family."
BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker recalled an appearance by Shane Warne on the programme in January this year, tweeting: "Genuinely can't believe the sad news about the death of Shane Warne. He came on Breakfast just a couple of weeks ago & was as effervescent as ever. What a talent he was. He had a huge impact on cricket and will be sorely missed by so many."
Jemima Goldsmith, who was close friends with Shane Warne, tweeted: "Devastating, shocking news about Shane Warne. A sporting hero for so many, inc my sons. And a giant-hearted friend."
Actor and singer Jason Donovan said: "Legend! Lovely guy. Gutted. One of the great Australians. Thoughts with his family."
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