Australia cricket legend Shane Warne has died at the age of just 52 after suffering a suspected heart attack, his management have confirmed.
In a statement, Warne's management said: "It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday 4 March.
"Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."
He is survived by his three children Brooke, Summer and Jackson.
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.
Gary Lineker was among those to pay tribute to Warne on social media, writing: "Terribly saddened and shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne has died. The greatest spin bowler of all time. Can’t quite believe it. RIP Shane"
Former Pakistan quick Shoaib Akhtar wrote: "Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away. No words to describe how shocked & sad i am. What a legend. What a man. What a cricketer."
West Indies star Carlos Brathwaite added: "Sometimes it’s difficult to remember people who you idolize are human . It’s impossible to think they’ll leave us. Such a young age with so much more to give to our game. This is a big loss to the cricketing world. RIP Shane Warne"
Sir Viv Richards tweeted: "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."
England all-rounder Ben Stokes wrote on Instagram: "Australian Legend @rajasthanroyals Legend Was an honour to know you and work with you This man is a LEGEND #theking"
Jos Buttler also paid tribute to Warne on Instagram, writing: "Such sad news, the greatest to ever do it! A true legend"
Ahead of the final day of England's warm-up against a Cricket West Indies President’s XI, the players and umpires stood in the middle for a minute's silence in honour of Warne.
Warne made his Test debut in 1993 against India in Sydney, despite only having seven first class games under his belt at the time.
It was an inauspicious start, with Warne taking just one wicket and conceding 150 runs as the match ended in a draw and it was not until the following year's Ashes series that he officially announced himself as a superstar.
With his first ball of the series, Warne bowled a delivery to Mike Gatting which pitched outside leg stump and went on to hit the top of off stump and bowl the England star.
That delivery later became known as the 'Ball of the Century' and catapulted Warne towards superstardom.
Reflecting on the ball in an interview with Fox Cricket, Warne said: "I was 23 when that happened. I remember going to the Windmill Pub in London, we were staying at the Westbury Hotel 100 yards up the road … and I went for a pint with Merv [Hughes].
"And when I came out there was, without a word of a lie, probably 25-30 photographers just taking pictures. The next day was about 'Shane Warne was at the pub'.
"I was getting critiqued about what I was wearing, I had ’10 things you don’t know about Shane Warne’ and I’m reading it going, 'that’s not true, I didn’t know that about me!'"
Gatting later admitted it was 'nice to be a part of history' as the player dismissed by the ball, saying: "I keep seeing it and it still looks a pretty decent ball to me and maybe would I have swept it, could I have swept it.
"You know, you ask all those sort of Questions. I asked Warne, ‘How would you have played it Warney?'
"He said 'I’d have probably swept it and got a top edge and got out.'
"One of those bits of history that belongs not only to me but to probably the best legspinner of all time.
"So well bowled Warney, unlucky me, but as I say it’s nice to be a part of the history and that’s what this great game is about."
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Gatting paid tribute Warne, saying: "Without a doubt, he is the number one ever.
"I should think there has been a lot of great cricketers, great spinners and great leg-spinners but Warnie will always be certainly from my point of view the number one.
"He had all the things a cricketer needed, a lot of self-confidence, a lot of ability, the discipline, passion and desire. Above all he had time to enjoy it.
"He had great fun playing cricket and resonated with a lot of youngsters. The inspirational leg-spin he bowled I am sure inspired many, many guys to take up leg-spin bowling."
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 that year's county season.
Despite retiring from the longer formats, Warne found a new lease of life in T20 franchise cricket, leading Rajasthan Royals to victory in the first ever IPL season as a player-coach in 2008.
He finally retired from cricket in 2013, with his final match a Big Bash League game for Melbourne Stars against Perth Scorchers and began working as a commentator and pundit.
Warne also coached London Spirit in the inaugural edition of The Hundred and was set to return as their head coach later this year.
Off the field, Warne was one of cricket's most colourful characters and he spoke openly and honestly about his life in a recent documentary simply titled 'Shane'.
Reflecting on his life in a 2020 programme with Fox called 'A Week With Warnie', he spoke candidly about some of the controversies which blighted his career.
"I think some of my actions in the mid 90s and towards the end of the late 90s — I acted in a sort of arrogant, pretty ordinary fashion all the time," Warne said.
"I live in the moment so sometimes you don't think about the consequences and that was probably most of my trouble. I didn't think what the consequences were or what effect it would have on other people.
"It was a selfish thing. I did what I wanted to do, and that got me into a bit of trouble.
"I'm not proud of all of my decisions. I made some horrible mistakes and choices with things. But I was always true to myself and that’s what I’m proud of today.
"Some of the things were really hard to take. I let my family down, I embarrassed my children … but that’s something I have to live with.
“But for all of those bad choices I’ve also been very proud of all the good things I’ve done."
Away from cricket, Warne was a keen poker player and golfer and founded the Shane Warne foundation in 2004 which aimed to raise money for 'seriously ill and underprivileged children'.
Former cricketer turned broadcaster Mark Nicholas helped write Warne's 2018 autobiography 'No Spin' and he paid tribute to his close friend on talkSPORT, saying: "This is one of the greatest cricketers there has ever been, but more than that, one of the most inspirational sporting people there has ever been.
"He turned a whole generation around to a new rock-and-roll type of cricket, he played to a level never been seen before.
"He was an entertainer and loved that so many people loved watching him play. He was an amazing guy with so much energy. The only consolation I can give is he gave his life a real good crack.
"I would say I would have trusted him with my life and would rate him as one of the great enthusiasts… of anything. He was up for anything.
"His stubbornness was great for the game, he didn’t compromise on anything he believed in. He gave so much for the sport but so many other areas.
"This is a desperate blow. I’m thinking of his mum and dad and kids, they are marvellous people. He was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and it’s just terrible."
David 'Bumble' Lloyd coached England against Australia during Warne's prime and later shared a commentary box with him.
The 74-year-old described Warne as "an immense cricketer" and the best player he has ever seen, telling 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."
Warne's death came just hours after the passing of fellow Australia legend Rod Marsh, who died at the age of 74 after suffering a heart attack.
Warne's last tweet was a tribute to Marsh, where he wrote: "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"
Current Australia star David Warner paid tribute to both Warne and Marsh on social media, writing: "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."
India superstar Virat Kohli called Warne the "greatest to turn a cricket ball", tweeting: "Life is so fickle and unpredictable.
"I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball."
Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane posted a particularly emotional tribute to Warne, having worked with the Australian at London Spirit.
"Shane Warne made me fall in love with the game as an 8 year old and he has completely inspired me every day since," Crane wrote.
"I am so honoured and lucky to have been able to spend time with him and learn from him. He was everything I could have asked for and so much more. RIP to the King".
England star Liam Livingstone is another who idolised Warne growing up and he wrote: "The day I get my kit, with my new squad number… all came from one man, my idol growing up, the reason I bowl leg spin and the reason I now wear 23 sad day for the world of cricket!! RIP @ShaneWarne a true cricketing legend!"
Ian Bell, who faced Warne during several memorable Ashes series, described him as "the greatest player I ever played against".
He wrote: "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."
Former England spinner Shaun Udal played alongside Warne at Hampshire for seven years and the pair became close friends.
In a series of tweets, Udal wrote: "Totally numb. Words fail me, the best cricketer and friend ever #RIPWarney Love you buddy x"
West Indies legend Brian Lara added: "Speechless at the moment. I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!!
"We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!! My condolences goes out to his family. RIP Warnie!! You will be missed."
The Barmy Army also posted a tribute to Warne, recalling a story from the 2005 Ashes when they were 'giving him plenty' but then began chanting "We only wish you were English", to which Warne responded by doffing his baggy green cap and taking a bow.
They tweeted: "WE ONLY WISH YOU WERE ENGLISH. This story just about perfectly sums up our time with Shane!"
Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins tweeted: "Hard to fathom. We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill.
"Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge affect on all he met. He transcended cricket. RIP King"
In a video message, Cummins added: "Warnie was an all time great, a once in a century type cricketer, and his records will live on forever. We all grew up watching Warnie, idolising him, we all had posters on his wall, had his earrings.
"What we loved so much about Warnie was his showmanship, his charisma, his tactics, the way he willed himself and the team around him to will teams around him to win games for Australia, and above all else his incredible skills as a leg-spinner.
"There's so many guys in this team and squad who still hold him as a hero, their all-time favourite player, and the loss that we're all trying to wrap our heads around is huge.
"It's been a really tough couple of days for Australian cricket after the passing of Rod and we just wish the best to both families, especially Shane's parents and his kids.
"The game was never the same after Warnie emerged and the game will never be the same after his passing.
"Rest in peace, King."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was also a close friend of Warne and posted a particularly emotional tribute on Instagram, recalling how he spent Christmas with Warne and his family last year.
"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.
"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 and 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 (sic) 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."
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Warne's former Ashes rival Mark Butcher described the spinner as "a brilliant entertainer, brilliant cricketer, and top, top bloke".
Butcher said: "Shane was one of the greatest cricketers to play the game. In the cricket-playing world he is absolute bar none in terms of how he is recognised and recognisable across that sphere.
"He was a larger-than-life character. He was a man, whether it was on and off the cricket field, who lived it all and loved it all to the absolute maximum. He squeezed the marrow out of life and got everything out of it.
"It is astonishing he is gone because I thought he was invincible. He will be sorely missed. He was a brilliant entertainer, brilliant cricketer, and top, top bloke."
Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist played with Warne throughout his career and tweeted: "Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie.
"Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work. Have often felt a tad selfish, that Heals and I pretty much exclusively are the only ones who had that thrill and pleasure at Test level. Rip Warnie."
