Tributes are pouring in for cricket legend Shane Warne following his sudden death at the age of 52.
Warne’s management confirmed his death on Friday afternoon, saying the Australian great had suffered a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Thailand.
The leg-spinner took 708 Test wickets across an illustrious career, surpassed only by contemporary rival and fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.
Former England international Ebony Rainford-Brent, who worked alongside Warne on Sky’s cricket coverage, wrote on Twitter: “What an absolute legend of the game and loved by so many. The game has lost one of the greats. In shock. Sad day for the cricket world.”
England batsman Ian Bell, who played against Warne in the 2005 Ashes, 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.”
Another regular Ashes adversary, bowler Steve Harrison, gave his immediate reaction on TalkSPORT radio.
“I got to know Warney as a friend,” he said. “He’s the greatest cricketer I’ve ever seen, the best in the modern generation. The thing about Shane was he was such a competitor on the field, but he was so respectful of the game, when you did well he’d shake your hand.
“That was the man. That was Shane Warne.”
Indian legend Virender Sehwag called Warne “the man who made spin cool”, while Pakistan great Waqar Younis described him as “the biggest superstar of my generation”.
“Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom,” Sehwag added. “My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world.”
News of Warne’s death came only hours after that of another Australian legend, former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh.
Current Australian batsman David Warner paid tribute to both, 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 families. I just cannot believe it. RIP, you will both be missed.”
An emotional Pat Cummins, meanwhile said: “The game was never the same after he emerged. The game will never be the same after his passing. RIP King.”
There were also tributes from the wider sporting community, with former England footballer Gary Lineker 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.”
A minute’s silence was held ahead of the start of play in Antigua, where England are playing a warm-up game against a President’s XI ahead of their Test series against West Indies.
