The greatest leg-spinner of all times Shane Warne is no more. He was a legend and an inspiration to so many young kids in the cricketing world.
Former Australia spinner Shane Warne, unarguably one of the all-time greats of the game who redefined spin bowling, has died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand, according to a statement from his management.
He was 52.
Warne’s management released a brief statement to the Australian media, saying that he passed away 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 reported by various media outlets said.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
Warne made his Test debut for Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 1992 and went on to establish his credentials as one of the best spinners to have graced the game. He won the hearts of millions of cricket fans around the world with his exceptional bowling and ability to trouble the best of batters during his playing days.
His ‘ball of the century’ is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans across the globe. Warne is Australia’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 708 scalps and was also a handy batter down the order. He scored an impressive 3154 runs in Tests at an average of 17.32.
Warne played 145 Tests and 194 ODIs in an illustrious international career spanning over 15 years. He picked up 708 and 293 wickets in the two formats respectively, and is the second-highest wicket-taker of all time in Test history behind only Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan.
Warne was also the captain of the Indian Premier League’s Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and led the team to the first IPL title.
Warne has passed away on a day when Australian cricket was in mourning after the death of wickeeping legend Rod Marsh.
He had condoled his demise in a tweet this morning.
“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.
BCCI mourns the death of spin legend