Shane Warne dies of suspected heart attack, aged 52

Shane Warne, the Australian cricket great, has died after suffering a suspected heart attack, aged 52.

A statement from his management team, issued on Friday afternoon, said that Warne had died suddenly while in Thailand.

It read: “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.

“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”

Warne had posted a message on Twitter just 12 hours before news of his death emerged, paying tribute to fellow Australian cricket great Rod Marsh, who died on Thursday at the age of 74.

It read: “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.”

Widely considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Warne’s 15-year international career saw him take 708 Test wickets, surpassed only by fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

He was also arguably the best player in Australia’s all-conquering side of the 1990s and early 2000s, winning multiple Ashes series and the 1999 World Cup.

Warne had been ill with coronavirus in August last year, after testing positive for the disease following his stint as coach of The Hundred franchise the London Spirit.

Revealing he had been put on “a special ventilator” to prevent him developing long Covid, he told The Herald Sun: “It wasn’t because I could not breathe, or anything like that. It was basically a special ventilator that I was trialling to make sure there were no longer-lasting effects that Covid would have on me.

“I have been fine, I have been able to run, I have been able to do everything. I have been absolutely fine.”

Describing his symptoms, he added: “It was a bit like a hangover, I had a pounding headache. The first couple of days, when I tested positive, I just had a thumping headache and I had one day where I had the shivers, but sweating, like when you have the flu.

“I lost a bit of sense of taste for a few days, but after three or four days I was fine. I have apparently got the holy grail. I have been double vaccinated and I have had Covid, so I am meant to be absolutely fine now.”

'One of the greatest spinners... the man who made spin cool'

England captain Joe Root paid tribute to his childhood hero Shane Warne describing him as a “massive idol of mine”.

England were in the field on the final day of their warm-up match against a President’s XI in Antigua when news broke of Warne’s death.

Two members of the coaching staff - Paul Collingwood and Marcus Trescothick - played against Warne in the 2005 Ashes, the last series to be shown on terrestrial television and one that inspired many of the current England team to take up cricket, including Root.

“It's shocked us all in the dressing room. First thoughts go out to his family and closest friends, many condolences to all of his loved ones. It's hard to know what to say really,” said Root. “My experiences of Shane were of someone who absolutely loved the game of cricket. He was always a joy to be around, he gave so much energy to the sport. As a kid growing up he was a massive idol of mine and someone you wanted to emulate. The way he could win a game on his own, his skill levels were incredible. To have the opportunity to spend some time with him, get to know him a little bit – albeit not a lot – it was deeply saddening the hear the news this morning.

“Certainly as a young kid watching him play, I'd have been 14 when the 2005 Ashes was on, in many ways that series was a massive influence on my career. The way he captured the nation, along with the whole of that series...his phenomenal performances were the sort of things that make you want to get into the game and play at the highest level.

“You could see his joy and enthusiasm when he played, it was still there when you got to speak to him. He was great to chat to about the game, very knowledgeable and just wanted to see the game played at the peak of his powers. It's just really sad.

“I never got a chance to play against him but anyone that you speak to said how formidable he was to play against, not just with his skill level and how he played the game but he did it in the right way. He was a big advocate of that when he spoken about the game and commentated.”

The Australia team had just finished the first day of their first Test in Pakistan when they learned of Warne’s passing. A visibly shaken Pat Cummins, the Australia captain, posted a video tribute. “Warnie was an all-time great, a once in a century type of cricketer. and his record will live on forever. We all grew up watching Warnie, idolising him, we all had posters on our wall, had his earrings,” he said.

"We loved so much his showmanship, his charisma, his tactics. He just willed himself and his team to win games for Australia. Above all else, his incredible skill as a leg-spinner.

“So many guys in this squad who still hold him as a hero, their all-time favourite player. The loss we're all trying to wrap our heads around is huge. The game was never the same after Warnie emerged and the game will never be the same after his passing Rest in peace, King."

Tributes and expressions of shock quickly emerged on Twitter as former team-mates, rival players and fans of Warne reacted to the news.

Fellow all-time great, and India batting legend, Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute saying "Indians always had a special place for you". He tweeted: "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!"

Brian Lara, another of the game's true greats and only man to score 400 runs in a Test innings, wrote he was both heartbroken and speechless.

He added: “I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!! My condolences goes out to his family. RIP Warnie!! You will be missed.”

South Africa great Jacques Kallis wrote: “He was one of the greatest competitors. Played hard on field and was one of the first to have a beer with you after. Was always a pleasure and challenge playing against him. More importantly loved his kids endlessly. One of crickets greats. Rip Shane. You will be missed.”

Warne grew a famed reputation for taunting England fans throughout his career during Ashes series, and a tribute was quickly paid from the national team’s official supporters’ group.

The Barmy Army Twitter account posted: “Simply can't believe we are writing this.

“RIP Shane Warne, one of the game's best characters and finest bowlers.

“Forever etched in Ashes history.”

Fellow Ashes legend Lord Botham sent his condolences to Warne’s family, writing: “I’ve lost a great friend on and off the playing field. ‘One of the best’ my thoughts are with Jackson Summer & Brooke....RIP Warnster.”

Michael Vaughan, Telegraph Sport columnist, captain of England’s 2005 Ashes-winning team, and good friend of Warne, posted a heartbreak emoji and: “Love ya king …”

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, an ex-team-mate and Ashes rival, posted an expletive and a series of crying emojis along with the hashtag #RIPKing, whilst former Australia team-mate Adam Gilchrist wrote: "Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work. Have often felt a tad selfish, that Heals and I pretty much exclusively are the only ones who had that thrill and pleasure at Test level. Rip Warnie."

England’s players held a minute’s silence for Warne ahead of the fourth day of their tour match in the West Indies.

All-rounder Ben Stokes also posted: “Australian Legend. @rajasthanroyals Legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you. This man is a LEGEND. #theking.”

Former Pakistan quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar wrote: "Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away. No words to describe how shocked & sad i am. What a legend. What a man. What a cricketer."

Pakistan great Waqar Younis posted: “Shane Warne no more.. I’m Shocked and Shattered. Simply can't believe I’m hearing this. Very very sad day for our cricket community. The biggest superstar of my generation gone. Goodbye Legend @ShaneWarne #RIP Condolences to the family and friends.”

Current India captain Rohit Sharma posted: “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.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India wrote: “The global cricketing community is poorer today with the passing away of Australian great Shane Warne. The BCCI mourns the loss of the champion cricketer who enriched the game with his craft.”

Cult West Indies hero Chris Gayle simply wrote: “RIP LEGEND.”

Former England football captain Gary Lineker said: “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.”