Tributes have been paid to the former Australian cricket captain Shane Warne, who has died aged 52 after a suspected heart attack.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, Warne made 145 Test appearances for Australia between 1992 and 2007.
He retired from international duty in January 2007 after Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash of England in the 2007 Ashes series.
Warne continued to play franchise Twenty20 cricket beyond 2007, first in the Indian Premier League with Rajasthan Royals, before moving to Melbourne Stars in the inaugural Big Bash League in 2011.
He announced his full retirement in 2013.
In a brief statement released on Friday, Warne's management company confirmed that Warne has passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand after a suspected heart attack.
The statement 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."
Tributes to Warne have poured in from across cricket and the wider sporting world.
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
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 4, 2022
One of the greatest of all-time.
A legend. A genius.
You changed Cricket.
RIP Shane Warne ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YX91zmssoT— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 4, 2022
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! pic.twitter.com/219zIomwjB— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 4, 2022
There are no words. A hero growing up and the greatest player I ever played against. I can’t believe it.
My thoughts are with his loved ones. https://t.co/NEN2VwbUtJ— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) March 4, 2022
More to follow.
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