Tributes are pouring out as the sporting world mourns the death of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne.
Warne’s management released a statement announcing the 52-year-old had passed away from a suspected heart attack 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 reads.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
Adored by millions around the world, Warne is considered by many as the greatest bowler to ever play the game and one of its most colourful characters.
His illustrious international career spanned 15 years and saw him take 708 Test wickets - the most ever by an Australian and only behind Muttiah Muralitharan in the all-time standings.
He also took 293 One-Day International wickets and made more than 300 appearances for Australia across all formats, helping his country to Cricket World Cup glory in 1999.
Warne took more wickets than any other bowler in Ashes cricket, with 195.
Gary Lineker led the tributes on Twitter, writing: "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."
Fellow footballer Stan Collymore followed suit as he tweeted: "My goodness, Shane Warne has died. 52 years old, this is truly awful news. Rest in peace Ledge."
The news has clearly affected the entire sporting world and the loss will undoubtedly be felt by the cricketing community.
Graeme Fowler, who played in 21 Test matches for England, wrote: "RIP Shane Warne. The greatest spinner ever, and fantastic company.
"The brightest lights burn out faster."
Indian Cricket Team opener Shikhar Dhawan echoed Fowler's sentiment: "Sad, speechless, and completely shocked. An incredible loss to cricket. I have no words. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the sport.
"Rest in Peace, Shane Warne. Sending my condolences to his loved ones.."
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer expressed his sorrow at the news, writing: "Whenever he came to the wicket, change came over the game of Cricket" My mind just cannot accept that Shane Warne is no more. Gone too soon.. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends..RIP Warnie"
Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan also paid tribute to Warne and sent his thoughts to the Australian's loved ones: "Sharing in the sadness of the cricket world on the demise of legend Shane Warne. Truly the end of an era. I pray his family, friends and fans find peace and comfort in this time of grief. #respect"
Bangladesh cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim wrote: "Absolutely shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne is no more. RIP legend. Gone too soon…"
England's Barmy Army, the official England cricket supporters club who were scorned by Warne on many occasions in the Ashes, paid their respects.
"Simply can't believe we are writing this. RIP Shane Warne, one of the game's best characters and finest bowlers," the group wrote on Twitter. "Forever etched in Ashes history."
Warne made his Test debut in 1993 against India in Sydney, despite only having played in seven first class games at the time. Warne took just one wicket and conceded 150 runs as the match ended in a draw, and it was not until the following year's Ashes series that he officially announced himself as a superstar.
With his first ball of the series, Warne bowled a delivery to Mike Gatting which pitched outside leg stump and went on to hit the top of off stump to bowl the stunned England star. The delivery later became known as the 'Ball of the Century' and immortalised Warne, who would go on to become arguably the greatest bowler in cricket history.
He retired from international cricket in 2007 after Australia whitewashed England 5-0 in 2006-07 Ashes series but continued playing first-class and List A cricket with Hampshire until the end of the county season.
Warne began coaching T20 franchise cricket, leading Rajasthan Royals to victory in the first ever IPL season as a player-coach in 2008. He retired from cricket in 2013, with his final match a Big Bash League game for Melbourne Stars against Perth Scorchers and began working as a commentator and pundit.
However, Warne also coached London Spirit in the inaugural edition of The Hundred and was set to return as their head coach later this year.
