Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has died at the age of just 52.
The spin bowler was known as one of the game's true greats, and famously bowled the 'ball of the century' in 1993 against England.
Warne is being remembered by names across the world of sport and showbiz. His management said: "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived."
Just 12 hours prior to his death, Shane had tweeted a tribute to Rod Marsh.
He said: "Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate."
Recently, Warne even spoke about taking on the vacant role as England cricket coach as he remained a sought-after expert on all things cricket, turning his hand to commentary after retirement.
Shane was the second-highest wicket-taker of all time in Test cricket, and is still regarded as one of the best, long after he retired from international cricket in 2007. He eventually retired from all forms of cricket in 2013, aged 43.
Tributes for Warne have poured in since his passing.
Who was Shane Warne?
Shane Warne was an Australian cricketer born in 1969, earning his test debut in 1992.
Warne was rarely far from the spotlight during and after his career, and after splitting from his first wife Simone Callahan - with whom he had three children - eventually struck up a relationship with British model and actress Liz Hurley in late 2010. The couple were engaged but called off their romance in 2013.
Warne was reportedly described as an 'old softie' by his friends and revealed in January this year that he was looking forward to being a grandad.
He had three children - two daughters named Brooke, 24, and Summer, 20 - and a son, 22-year-old Jackson.
A documentary about his life is available on Amazon Prime Video titled Shane.
Shane Warne's cricket career
After his international debut, Warne went on to take an incredible 708 wickets in 145 matches, earning himself the title as one of the best players to have played the game.
He was an integral part of the side that went undefeated against English teams in the Ashes between 1989 and 2003. England eventually won back the urn in 2005 in what became known as one of greatest test series ever.
He was familiar to English crowds both as a revolutionary spinner that tore apart English batting lineup and as part of the club and county set up.
Recently, Warne even raised the possibility of him taking over as England cricket coach after their disastrous 4-0 defeat Down Under.
He said to Sky Sports Cricket Podcast: "I'd like to do it, it's a great time to be England coach.
"I think I'd do a pretty good job, there's a lot to work with. There are so many good players in England and a lot of depth, but you've got to get some of the basics right.
What was the ball of the century?
Warne's 'ball of the century' occurred in the 1993 Ashes series and was bowled to talisman English batsman Mike Gatting.
It was Warne's first ball against England and Gatting was known for an ability to deal with leg-spin bowling. Despite this, the ball pitched way outside off stump and its incredible turn meant it ended up hitting the top of off stump.
Warne said of the ball: "I take a step, I bowl and I let go of the ball and it's all like it happened in slow motion.
"Gatting tried to turn it. It drifted and he followed the drift. It pitched, just missed his bat and just clipped the top of off stump. First ball in an Ashes series and it felt pretty bloody good."
Some of Warne's cricketing achievements are as follows:
- Second highest ever amount of wickets take and most by an Australian.
- Career-best figures of eight for 71 at the Gabba against England in 1994.
- Most test runs - 4172 - without scoring a century.
- 10 test 10-wicket hauls.
- Highest number of wickets in a calendar year with 96.
What did Shane Warne die from?
It is believed that Warne died from a suspected heart attack after he was found dead at his home.
Shane's representatives said: "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."
Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag said: "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."
