Shane Warne - Tributes pour in after Australian cricket legend dies from suspected heart attack

AUSTRALIAN cricket legend Shane Warne has died, aged, 52, from a suspected heart attack.

The devastating news comes less than 24 hours after the death of another Australian cricketing great - wicket-keeper-batsman Rod Marsh - was confirmed.

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Shane Warne dies: Brilliant genius who changed cricket forever

Marsh had been in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack in Bundaberg, Queensland, last week, and died in South Australia’s capital Adelaide on Friday morning local time.

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News of Warne’s death started to trickle out from Australian news outlets early Friday afternoon UK time.

After making his Test debut in 1992, Warne went on to play 145 times in the five-day format for Australia, taking a remarkable 708 wickets at an average of 25.71.

Earlier today, Warne had posted his own tribute to Marsh on his Twitter account, stating: “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❤”

According to a statement from his management company, Warne could not be revived after being found unresponsive in his Thailand villa.

Shane Warne has died aged 52. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty ImagesShane Warne has died aged 52. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Shane Warne has died aged 52. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
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“It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday 4 March,” 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.”

Warne - who was the joint-leading wicket-taker as Australia won the 1999 World Cup and finished with 293 one-day dismissals in 194 matches - brought an illustrious 15-year international career to an end in 2007.

LEGEND:  Shane Warne of Australia appeals for a wicket during a test match. (Photo by Getty Images)LEGEND:  Shane Warne of Australia appeals for a wicket during a test match. (Photo by Getty Images)
LEGEND: Shane Warne of Australia appeals for a wicket during a test match. (Photo by Getty Images)
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Tributes, not just from the cricket world, began to pour in immediately online. Sir Vivian Richards, West Indies cricket legend, said on Twitter: “Unbelievable. I am shocked to the core. This can’t be true... Rest In Peace, @ShaneWarne There are no words to describe what I feel right now. A huge loss for cricket.”

Former Pakistan pace bowler Waqar Younis, said: 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.”

in referencing both Marsh and Warne, Australia opener David Warner said: “Two legends of our game have left us too soon. I’m lost for words, and this is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family. I just can not believe it. #rip, you will both be missed”

Former England footballer and Match of the Day presenter, Gary Lineker, also took to Twitter to pay his respects, 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”

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Man-of-the-match Shane warne celebrates with his Australia team-mates after defeating England in the first Test Match at The Gabba in Brisbane in November 1994 Picture: Ben Radford/ALLSPORT (Getty Images)MAN OF THE MOMENT: Man-of-the-match Shane warne celebrates with his Australia team-mates after defeating England in the first Test Match at The Gabba in Brisbane in November 1994 Picture: Ben Radford/ALLSPORT (Getty Images)
MAN OF THE MOMENT: Man-of-the-match Shane warne celebrates with his Australia team-mates after defeating England in the first Test Match at The Gabba in Brisbane in November 1994 Picture: Ben Radford/ALLSPORT (Getty Images)
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Named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Viv Richards, Warne’s impact on the game is immediately apparent.

His leg breaks, googlies, flippers and sliders bamboozled many accomplished batters and England were often in his crosshairs. He took 195 wickets at 23.25 with 11 five-fors and four 10-wicket match hauls against the old rivals.

But there was also an affinity with England, with Warne representing Hampshire with distinction from 2000 to 2007.

While he was celebrated on the field, there was a darker side as he and Mark Waugh were fined for accepting money from a bookmaker while he was suspended for 12 months before the start of the 2003 World Cup after testing positive for a diuretic.

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However, he established his legacy upon his return, becoming the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets before bowing out after helping Australia seal a 5-0 Ashes victory in the 2006/07 series.

He continued to play on the franchise Twenty20 circuit before retiring from playing altogether in 2013, after which he became well-renowned for his insight and forthright opinion as a commentator and pundit.

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