Former Australian Test leg-spinner Shane Warne has passed away. He was 52 years old.
Warne was in Koh Samui, Thailand, at the time of a suspected heart attack.
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“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” read a brief statement from Warne’s management team.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
Second-highest Test wicket-taker of all time
Warne was the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket. He collected 708 wickets in 145 matches before retiring from international cricket in January 2007.
He also played 194 ODIs – and captained the Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural Indian Premier League title in 2008.
Prince and Gibbs pay tribute
Former Proteas batsmen Herschelle Gibbs and Ashwell Prince were among the first to pay condolences on social media.
“When people ask me who was the best I ever faced, there was only one name and that was SK Warne. A man that lived life to the full and a cricketer that perfected the most difficult skill in cricket, leg spin. Fond memories mate, you go well,” said Gibbs.
Prince added: “Devastating news about the passing of Shane Warne. One of the greatest to ever do it. May his soul rest in peace.”
Warne on the late Marsh
Warne passed away in the same week as former Australian Test cricketer Rod Marsh.
“Sad to hear the news that Rod has passed. He was a legend of our great game and an inspiration to so many young boys and girls,” Warne tweeted earlier this week.
“Rod cared deeply about cricket and gave so much, especially to Australia and England players.”