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Highlights
- The leg-spinner was known for his guile bowling and took a total of 1001 wickets.
- Warne scalped 708 wickets in his illustrious career which spanned for 145 Test matches.
- Warne played 194 One Day Internationals for Australia.
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 a 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."
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. He was 52. He is survived by two daughters and a son.
"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."
