Spin legend Shane Warne dies of suspected heart attack
World cricket fraternity shell shocked
Melbourne: Former Australia spinner Shane Warne, who redefined the art of spin bowling to become one of the greatest in international cricket, has died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand, his management said on Friday.
He was 52 and is survived by two daughters and a son.
Warne’s management released a brief statement to the Australian media, saying that he passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand and the reason could be a suspected heart attack. Koh Samui is popular among tourists and is the second largest island in Thailand.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reported by various media outlets here said.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
An iconic name in international cricket, Warne, since making his debut in 1992, played 145 Tests for Australia, picking up 708 wickets with his leg-spin. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne snared 293 scalps.
He immortalised himself with the ‘ball of the century’ in 1993 when as a 24-year-old, he deceived Mike Gatting at Old Trafford with a delivery that landed on the leg stump and, as the Englishman tried to defend, turned viciously to clip his off bail.
Gatting was left in disbelief by the big leg break, a craft that was dying before Warne revived it with his guile.
He was the second highest wicket taker in Test history and only Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has more wickets than him with 800.
In 2007, Cricket Australia and Sri Lanka Cricket named the Test series between the two sides the Warne Muralitharan Trophy in the duo’s honour.
Warne, who made his Test debut against India at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century for his unparalleled achievements in a 15-year career between 1992 and 2007.
In 2013, the year he retired from the game completely, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. His international retirement happened much before that in 2007.
Warne helped Australia win the World Cup in 1999 and took more wickets than any other bowler in Ashes cricket, the tally standing at 195.
After retiring, Warne added to his legend by doubling up as captain and coach of IPL team Rajasthan Royals and guiding them to a remarkable title triumph in the event’s inaugural edition.
A flamboyant personality both on and off the field, Warne also found success as a commentator and was considered among the sharpest analysts of the game.
He was immensely popular in India and his connection with the country went back to his debut when Ravi Shastri became his first Test wicket.
Warne’s vivacious persona made him a fan favourite across the cricketing world but also often landed him in trouble.
In 1998, he and Mark Waugh coped a fine from Cricket Australia for accepting money from a bookmaker for sharing information on pitch and weather conditions.
Before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, he tested positive for a banned diuretic, which he claimed, was given to him by his mother for weight loss. He subsequently coped a suspension for the failed dope test.
He was dismissive of the idea of coaching in cricket and always advocated for man managers instead.
Warne has passed away on a day when Australian cricket is in mourning after the death of wicket-keeping legend Rod Marsh.
He had condoled Marsh’ demise in a tweet this morning and that post would now be among his last public statements.
“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,” the legend had posted.
Meanwhile, the cricket fraternity across the globe was shell shocked by the sudden demise of Australian spin legend Shane Warne, who died at the age of 52 due to suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday.
Past and present superstars of world cricket paid rich tributes to Warne, one of the all-time greats of the game who redefined spin bowling, with Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar saying that he had “gone too young.”
“Shocked, stunned & miserable Will miss you Warnie,” Tendulkar, whose rivalry with Warne was stuff of legend, said.
“There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!” Tendulkar added.
India captain Rohit Sharma said he can’t still fathom the fact that the legend is no more.
“I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne .still can’t believe it,” Rohit said in a tweet.
Rohit’s predecessor, Virat Kohli, who turned out in his milestone 100th Test against Sri Lanka at Mohali on Friday, described Warne as a the “greatest to turn the cricket ball”.
“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,” he tweeted.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also paid his condolences on the Australian great’s passing away.
“Terribly shocked and saddened to hear the news of legendary spinner Shane Warne passing away. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti.”
Former India opener Vireder Sehwag, who has had many a duels with Warne during his playing days, paid his condolences to the family members of the spin great.
“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.”
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina too offered his condolences.
“At loss of words to hear about the demise of our cricketing legend Shane Warne, he was always magical on the field. May peace be with you. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne.”
World Cup-winning India opener Gautam Gambhir tweeted: “Very few can match their attitude with raw talent. #ShaneWarne made bowling look like magic! RIP.”
Not just Indians, Warne’s untimely death has shocked world cricket.
“RIP LEGEND #ShaneWarne,” West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle wrote on his Twitter page.
Former and current Pakistan cricketers too paid rich tributes to the spin magician.
“Find it hard to believe. Such a devastating loss for the cricket world. He literally inspired generations with his magical leg spin. You’ll forever be missed #ShaneWarne. My heart and prayers goes to his family, friends, and fans. #legend,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam wrote.
Warne’s good mate and contemporary, Shoaib Akhtar said it will take a long time to heal from this terrible loss.
“It’s going to take a long time to get over this loss. Legendary #ShaneWarne is not with us anymore,” Akhtar said.
Shahid Afridi said in Warne’s demise, cricket has lost an “university of leg-spin bowling”.
“The game of cricket has lost what I consider a university of leg-spin bowling today. I was inspired by his bowling from the start of my career and it was always a privilege to play against him. My deepest condolences are with Warne’s family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne.”
Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi wrote: “Life is so unpredictable. Cricket will surely miss your presence. Thinking about his family and friends. You’ll remain in prayers of many. #ShaneWarne #legend.”
Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes was stunned by the news.
“Noooooo #shanewarne cannot believe what I am reading.”
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews added: “Can’t believe this! Sad and shocked that The spin wizard is no more. You will be greatly missed.condolences to the family and loved ones. RIP legend #shanewarne.”
