Shane Warne’s family have issued a statement following the Australian cricket legend’s tragic death in Thailand last Friday.
Adored by millions around the world, the charismatic Warne is considered by many as the greatest bowler to ever play the game.
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 - as well as the most wickets in Ashes history, with 195.
Warne’s family broke their silence to issue a lengthy statement on Monday night with individual tributes from his parents Keith and Brigette, brother Jason, three children Brooke, Jackson and Summer along with ex-wife Simone Callaghan.
“The night of the 4th of March 2022 is when a never-ending nightmare began for our family, for that is the date we lost our much loved and admired son, father, brother and Uncle, Shane Keith Warne’ a tragedy we will never come to terms with,” his parents wrote.
“To find words to adequately express our sadness is an impossible task for us and looking to a future without Shane is inconceivable, hopefully the mountain of happy memories we all have will help us cope with our ongoing grief.
Warne’s eldest daughter Brooke declared she will always cherish her time spent with the King of Spin, times spent laughing and joking around with one another.
“We were so similar in so many ways and I always used to joke that I got your genes and about how much that annoyed me!” she said.
“Well now I couldn't be happier and prouder that I have your genes. I am lucky and will forever be so proud to call you my Dad forever. I love you to infinity and back and I will miss you forever.”
Her brother Jackson echoed Brooke’s sentiment and doesn't believe anything will fill the void left in his broken heart.
“Sitting at the poker table, walking around the golf course, watching the Saints and eating pizza is never going to be the same,” Jackson said. “But I know all you ever wanted for me is to be happy, no matter what. You just wanted me to be happy, that’s it.
“So that’s what I’m going to do, try and be happy. I am going to miss you so much Dad and you were truly the best father and mate anyone could’ve asked for.”
Daughter Summer Warne said she wished she could have hugged her father tighter in their final moments together.
“And your final breaths were only moments away,” she said. “I wish I could’ve told you that everything was going to be okay and hold your hand.
“Our time was robbed. I want more holidays with you, more laughs where your smile lights up the whole room, more ‘goodnight I love you SJ, I’ll see you in the morning’, more talks about how our days were and just to feel safe when you would hug me and you would let me know how proud you are of me and how much you love me.
“You haven’t died Dad, you’ve just moved to a different place, and that is in our hearts.”
Callahan, the mother of Warne's children and his wife for 10 years until they split in 2005., added: “Who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains.”
The family thanked the state government and MCG Trust over plans to rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG the S.K Warne Stand.
'Everyone knows Shane was an extremely proud Victorian and Australian,' his father Keith said. “Brigitte and I are most grateful for the many messages of love and support received over the past few days and thank one and all for their kind words of comfort.
“We also wish to acknowledge and thank those members of the media who are honouring our request to respect our family's privacy and who will continue to do so.”
The statement comes after the family accepted an offer from the Victorian government and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of a state funeral for Warne.
