Australian Legendary Spinner “Shane Warne” Passes away at 52: Cricket Fraternity is in Shock

Former Australian cricketer and spin bowling legend Shane Warne has died at the age of 52 years, due to a “suspected heart attack” according to a statement issued by his management company on Friday.

A Fox Sports report stated that Warne’s management released a brief statement in the early hours of Saturday (AEDT), that he passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack. “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” read a part of the statement. “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course,” the report quoted from the statement. 

A report in Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday said that the legendary spinner’s business manager performed CPR for about 20 minutes to save him.

“The 52-year-old’s long-time manager told the Herald and The Age (that) Warne had not been drinking before he was found by his friend Andrew Neophitou, an executive producer on his recently released documentary, who had gone to Warne’s Thailand hotel room before a planned dinner,” the report said.

Shane Warne was the 2nd Highest wicket taker in the history of test cricket only behind Muttiah Muralitharan with 708 wickets to his name.

Shane Warne played 145 Tests and 194 ODIs between 1992 and 2007 and took a combined 1001 wickets during his storied international career. Warne was the first cricket player to reach 700 wickets milestone in the test matches, he was also instrumental in the many Ashes series & world cup wins for Australia. 

The king of Spin has a great international career spanning for 15 years, having played 145 Test Matches & 194 ODI’s for Australia, he also had a great IPL career from 2008 to 2011 as a captain & coach of Rajasthan Royals and successfully leading Rajasthan Royals to the 2008 IPL Title.

The cricket Fraternity is shocked with the sudden demise of the Spin legend, with messages & tribute pouring in from people across the world.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison led his country’s tribute to the cricketing legend, saying Warne was “one of only a few that could approach the extraordinary achievements of the great Don Bradman”.

CA chief executive Nick Hockley, said: “We are in a state of complete shock at his sudden passing and our thoughts are with his family, his many friends and the legion of fans from all over the world who loved and admired Warnie for his unbelievable bowling skills, his humour, warmth and engaging personality.”

“But Shane was more than this to Australians. Shane was one of our nation’s greatest characters. His humor, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all. Australians loved him. We all did,” Morrison said.

Sacchinl Tendulkar also shared an emotional tribute to the spin king who was his all time rival.

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

Sachin wrote to his twitter handle “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!”