Former England captain Michael Vaughan has paid tribute to Australian cricket legend Shane Warne following the tragic news of his death.
The iconic Australian cricketer died on Friday aged 52 of a suspected heart attack.
Adored by millions around the world, the charismatic Warne is considered by many as the greatest bowler to ever play the game.
His illustrious international career spanned 15 years and saw him take 708 Test wickets - the most ever by an Australian and only behind Muttiah Muralitharan in the all-time standings - as well as the most wickets taken in Ashes history with a stunning 195.
He retired from international cricket in 2007 after Australia whitewashed England 5-0 in 2006-07 Ashes series but continued playing first-class and List A cricket with Hampshire until the end of the county season.
Vaughan, who played against Warne numerous times in the Ashes, befriended the spin-bowler and took to social media to pay tribute.
“I can’t tell you how hard it is to get this down in words .. it’s just doesn’t feel real to be talking about someone who once was an enemy on the pitch to one who became a great friend off it,” Vaughan wrote on Instagram. “Shane was the greatest ever cricketer but more than that his character lit up every dressing room , comm box , bar , golf club & friendship group .. his energy & positivity was beyond anyone I have ever known .. he was loyal beyond loyal .. at a time I needed support he was the first to pick up the phone & over advice /help & the most utmost support.
“I will never ever forget the warmth he & his family gave me this winter when I was down under for Xmas alone .. To say I spent Warneys last Xmas with him & his family is so sad but one I will cherish .. all of us eating Turkey ,beef ,the usual Xmas trimmings & the King to stick to his Lasagne sandwich’s with bread rolls plastered with butter .. that’s Warney … the superstar .. the greatest .. friends to world superstars .. everyone wanted to be around him but ultimately he was just a normal guy who could do incredible things.
“Leg spin is the hardest skill in our game & he mastered it .. he became a great poker player as he loved gambling but it was more the competition and trying to put the psych into his opponents that he loved … just like when he bowled .. my thoughts are with his mum Bridgette & dad Keith plus his 3 kids that I know he is immensely proud of .. Brooke , Summer & Jackson .. We are all thinking of you .. i am absolutely gutted to have a lost a great friend .. one thing is for sure Heaven will be a lively place now the King has arrived
“Love ya Shane x”
The news came out after Warne’s management released a statement announcing the 52-year-old had passed away from a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reads.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
