Shane Warne, the greatest leg-spinner in cricket history and one of the game’s most colourful characters, has died aged 52 of a suspected heart attack.
Warne is reported to have been found dead in Koh Samui, Thailand, where he was on holiday.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” a statement from Warne’s management to Fox Sports, one of his employers, read.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
Having made his Test debut in 1992, Warne took 708 wickets before retiring in 2007 as the game’s leading wicket-taker (he has since been overtaken by Muttiah Muralitharan). In addition, he took 293 ODI wickets and was a World Cup winner.
He was particularly remembered for his exploits in Ashes cricket. In 1993, he announced himself with the stunning dismissal of Mike Gatting with the “Ball of the Century” and, even in defeat in 2005, took 40 wickets.
Since retiring, Warne has worked as a commentator for Fox in Australia and Sky in the UK, as well as dabbling in coaching – including with London Spirit in the Hundred.
Warne leaves behind three children, all of whom are now young adults, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.
Warne is the second Australian cricket icon to pass away within 24 hours, after the death of Rod Marsh, the great wicketkeeper, following a heart attack last week. Hours before his own death, Warne paid tribute to Marsh on Twitter.
“Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed,” he wrote. “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.”
Named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Viv Richards, Warne’s impact on the game is immediately apparent.
His leg breaks, googlies, flippers and sliders bamboozled many accomplished batters and England were often in his crosshairs. He took 195 wickets at 23.25 with 11 five-fors and four 10-wicket match hauls against the old rivals.
But there was also an affinity with England, with Warne representing Hampshire with distinction from 2000 to 2007.
While he was celebrated on the field, there was a colourful and sometimes darker side.
He was engaged to Liz Hurley and nicknamed ‘Horny Warney’ after allegedly bedding up to 1,000 women during his 15-year marriage to Simone Callahan.
His conquests included a British nurse who received X-rated texts and voicemails and a secretary who was said to have had a four-month affair with him.
Warne and Mark Waugh were fined for accepting money from a bookmaker while he was suspended for 12 months before the start of the 2003 World Cup after testing positive for a diuretic.
However, he established his legacy upon his return, becoming the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets before bowing out after helping Australia seal a 5-0 Ashes victory in the 2006/07 series.
He continued to play on the franchise Twenty20 circuit before retiring from playing altogether in 2013, after which he became well-renowned for his insight and forthright opinion as a commentator and pundit.
David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, who coached England against Warne before working alongside him in the commentary box, hailed the leg-spinner as an “immense character”.
Lloyd told Talksport: “Shane was generous to a fault. He lived life to the full, he was Peter Pan, but when it came to cricket, he was serious.
“He had this God-given talent and he was so grateful for it that he always wanted to help other players.
“Any young spinner who came into the game at whatever level, he would go and talk to them, work with them, give them a pat on the back.
“He was an immense character, but as a player he was top of the tree. For me, he’s the best I’ve ever seen.
“Bloody hell, this is bad news.”
England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was coached by Warne in the Indian Premier League, wrote on Instagram: “Australian Legend. @rajasthanroyals Legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you. This man is a LEGEND.”
Former England batter Ian Bell, who faced Warne in the famous 2005 Ashes series, posted: “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.”
England paid tribute to Warne on Twitter, adding: “One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne.”
Former West Indies all-rounder Sir Viv Richards posted: Unbelievable. I am shocked to the core. This can’t be true…
“Rest In Peace @ShaneWarne. There are no words to describe what I feel right now. A huge loss for cricket.”
India great Virender Sehwag hailed Warne as “the man who made spin cool”.
Sehwag wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Warne’s death came just hours after that of fellow Australia great Rod Marsh, who died aged 74 – with Warne among those paying tribute to him.
Current Australia opener David Warner wrote on Twitter: “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.”
