Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne died of a heart attack on Friday (March 4). Shane's management released a statement that he passed away in Koh Samui in Thailand.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reads. “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
Warne was the second-highest wicket taker in Tests, picking 708 wickets, which is the most-ever for an Australian. This is the second sad news coming out of Australian cricket after Rod Marsh passed away early on Friday.
Warne is regarded as one of the finest leg-spin bowlers of all time after a career in which he took 708 test wickets in a Test career which span from 1992 to 2007. He later played in the Indian Premier League and other Twenty20 competitions before retiring from all international cricket in 2013 but continued to be involved in the game as a broadcaster.
Stunned and Shocked. Have lost a buddy _ pic.twitter.com/GoGCbdD8J6
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) March 4, 2022
An iconic name in international cricket, Warne, since making his debut in 1992, played 145 Tests for Australia. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne Pared 293 scalps.
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.
Shocked, stunned & miserable_
Will miss you Warnie. 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! pic.twitter.com/219zIomwjB
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 4, 2022
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.
(With agency inputs)
