Shane Warne: Latest news and tributes as Australian cricket legend’s death not treated as suspicious
Shane Warne has passed away at the age of 52. The Australia cricket legend and greatest leg-spinner of all time passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack, as confirmed by his management company who released a brief statement in the early hours of Saturday (AEDT).
“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,” read the statement. “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 took 708 Test wickets during a legendary career that means he’s second in the all-time wickets list. He was the Australian cricket legend who redefined spin bowling and there have been plenty of tributes paid to a ‘cricket icon’ and ‘complete genius’ after his sudden death.
Tributes also poured in from outside the world of cricket, while some reflected on his greatest moments in the sport.
Follow live coverage as reaction and tributes from around the world pour in:
Shane Warne death
Shane Warne dies aged 52
The Australia cricket legend passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack
Tributes paid to ‘cricket icon’ and ‘complete genius’ after sudden death
Shane Warne: The Australian cricket legend who redefined spin bowling
Shane Warne’s greatest moments: From ‘Ball of the Century’ to World Cup glory
‘Rest in peace King’: Australia pays tribute to ‘true cricketing genius’ Shane Warne
17:45 , Luke Baker
Australia is in a “state of shock” after the sudden death of cricket legend Shane Warne, who has passed away at the age of 52 following a suspected heart attack.
Warne, one of the country’s greatest sporting stars and regarded among the finest spin bowlers of all time, died after he was found unresponsive while in Thailand, a statement from his management company said.
“Australian cricket, along with the whole cricketing world, is in a state of shock at the loss of Shane Warne, a true cricketing genius, who has died aged 52,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Australia men’s captain Pat Cummins said his team, who are in Pakistan ahead this month’s test series, have been “numbed” by the news of Warne’s death.
“The game of cricket was never the same after Shane emerged, and it will never be the same now he has gone,” Cummins said. “Rest in peace King.”
‘Rest in peace King’: Australia pays tribute to ‘true cricketing genius’ Shane Warne
Shane Warne’s greatest moments: From ‘Ball of the Century’ to World Cup glory
17:31 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne’s cricketing career was dotted with pieces of genius, as one of the most gifted spin bowlers to ever don a pair of whites invariably picked the most high-profile moments to deliver for Australia.
From the ‘Ball of the Century’ that bamboozled Mike Gatting and launched his career to an MCG hat-trick, World Cup success and a perfect Ashes swansong, Warne was never far away from the spotlight.
After a career that dazzled and enthralled, we look back at some of Warne’s most memorable moments.
England men’s team hold minute’s silence following death of Shane Warne
17:19 , Luke Baker
The England men’s cricket team led the tributes pouring in for Australia great Shane Warne, after he died aged 52 following a suspected heart attack.
Leg-spinner Warne – whose 708 Test wickets has only been surpassed by contemporary rival and fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan – could not be revived after being found unresponsive in his Thailand villa.
England are currently in the Caribbean, preparing for a three-Test series against the West Indies and ahead of the final day of their warm-up against a Cricket West Indies President’s XI, the players and umpires stood in the middle for a minute’s silence in honour of Warne.
England team hold minute’s silence following the death of Shane Warne
Shane Warne: Key statistics from Australian leg-spinner’s stunning career
17:05 , Luke Baker
Former Australia spinner Shane Warne has died aged 52, his management company has confirmed.
Warne was on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui when he was found. Local medics attended the scene but could not save him.
“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,” a statement from his management company MPC Entertainment 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 ranks second behind only fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in the all-time list of leading Test wicket-takers and you can read more of the statistics from his stunning career in the piece below.
Shane Warne: Key statistics from Australian leg-spinner’s stunning career
Shane Warne death: Gary Lineker, Piers Morgan and Dan Walker pay tribute to Australia cricket legend
16:51 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne was a cricket icon but such was his raw charisma and instantly-recognisable look, he transcended the sport during his life.
The Australian cricket legend died of a suspected heart attack aged just 52 while in Koh Samui, Thailand, and could not be revived after he was found unresponsive in his Thailand villa.
Thai police have now released two further bits of information. They have confirmed that they are not treating the death as a suspicious and have also stated that he was found by associates staying in the same villa as Warne, who unsuccessfully tried to revive him.
Following news of his death, fellow celebrities rushed to pay tribute on social media.
Gary Lineker leads celebrity tributes after cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52
Australia men’s captain Pat Cummins adds tribute to Shane Warne
16:41 , Luke Baker
Australia’s men’s Test side are currently on an historic tour to Pakistan and captain Pat Cummins has given his reaction to the news of Shane Warne’s death.
“We are all numbed by the news,” he told reporters in Pakistan. “Apart from the wickets he took and the games he helped Australia win, what he did was draw so many people to the sport. So many of us in the playing group grew up idolising him and fell in love with this great sport as a result, while many of our support staff either played with him or against him.”
Cummins also tweeted his condolences upon first hearing of Warne’s death.
Hard to fathom. We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill. Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge affect on all he met. He transcended cricket.
RIP King pic.twitter.com/614NRwq4wm— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) March 4, 2022
Shane Warne’s life and career in pictures
16:35 , Luke Baker
Instantly recognisable and one of the most charismatic figures to ever grace the sport of cricket, there are plenty of images that capture the magic of Shane Warne.
One of the finest bowlers of all time, who revived the art of leg spin, has died aged 52 following a suspected heart attack. The Victoria-born spinner enjoyed a colourful life both on and off the cricket field.
Here is a tribute to the Australian leg-spin legend’s life and career in pictures.
Australia great Shane Warne dies at 52 – his life and career in pictures
Shane Warne: The Australian cricket legend who redefined spin bowling
16:25 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne’s place in the pantheon of cricket legends is secure and after he died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 52, reflections on the impact that he had on the sport and beyond began to take place.
Warne, a former captain of Australia’s One-Day International side and vice-captain of the Test team, is considered one of the greatest bowlers of all time. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket.
Born to an Australian father and German mother in Victoria on 13 September 1969, Warne went on to play for the University of Melbourne and by 1990 had begun training at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide.
The following year, Warne moved to England to represent Accrington Cricket Club, before returning to Australia to make his first-class debut for Victoria. Soon thereafter, Warne made his first appearances for Australia’s reserve national teams and would go on to launch a remarkable international career.
Shane Warne: The Australian cricket legend who redefined spin bowling
Shane Warne: Thai police not treating death as suspicious
16:22 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne, the legendary Australian spin bowler considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died aged 52 of a suspected heart attack while in Thailand.
Warne was on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui when he was found. Local medics attended the scene but could not save him.
Thai police have now released two further bits of information. They have confirmed that they are not treating the death as a suspicious and have also stated that he was found by associates staying in the same villa as Warne, who unsuccessfully tried to revive him.
A statement from Warne’s management company MPC Entertainment read: “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. 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.”
Shane Warne: Tributes paid to ‘cricket icon’ and ‘complete genius’ after sudden death aged 52
16:15 , Luke Baker
Tributes have been paid to Shane Warne, the Australian cricket legend regarded as the greatest leg-spinner of all time, after his death from a suspected heart attack at the age of 52.
A statement from Warne’s management company said Warne had been found unresponsive at his villa in Thailand and “despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.”
The Barmy Army, England’s supporters club, said Warne was a “complete genius” and “one of the game’s greatest characters” who is “forever etched in Ashes history”.
The England cricket team posted on Twitter: “One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne”.
Shane Warne: Tributes paid to ‘cricket icon’ and ‘complete genius’ after sudden death
Shane Warne’s greatest moments: From ‘Ball of the Century’ to World Cup glory
16:08 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne’s cricketing career was dotted with pieces of genius, as one of the most gifted spin bowlers to ever don a pair of whites invariably picked the most high-profile moments to deliver for Australia.
From the ‘Ball of the Century’ that bamboozled Mike Gatting and launched his career to an MCG hat-trick, World Cup success and a perfect Ashes swansong, Warne was never far away from the spotlight.
After a career that dazzled and enthralled, we look back at some of Warne’s most memorable moments.
Shane Warne’s greatest moments: From ‘Ball of the Century’ to World Cup glory
England men’s team hold minute’s silence following death of Shane Warne
15:57 , Luke Baker
The England men’s cricket team led the tributes pouring in for Australia great Shane Warne, after he died aged 52 following a suspected heart attack.
Leg-spinner Warne – whose 708 Test wickets has only been surpassed by contemporary rival and fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan – could not be revived after being found unresponsive in his Thailand villa.
England are currently in the Caribbean, preparing for a three-Test series against the West Indies and ahead of the final day of their warm-up against a Cricket West Indies President’s XI, the players and umpires stood in the middle for a minute’s silence in honour of Warne.
WATCH: Shane Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ bamboozles Mike Gatting
15:50 , Luke Baker
The iconic moments during Shane Warne’s legendary Test career are too numerous to list but there is one that perhaps stands out - his ‘Ball of the Century’.
At Old Trafford in Manchester, with his first ball against England, in his first Ashes Test, Warne produced a spectacular delivery that bowled Mike Gatting out - the ball pitching several inches outside of leg stump before turning sharply, passing the outside edge of Gatting’s bat, then clipping the top of off stump, dislodging the bails.
It was one of the greatest deliveries of all-time, regardless, of context and it not only set the tone for the match and series but it signalled the revival of leg spin bowling in Test cricket.
VIDEO: Cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52
15:41 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne, the legendary Australian spin bowler considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died aged 52 of a suspected heart attack while in Thailand.
Warne was on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui when he was found. Local medics attended the scene but could not save him.
Warne took 708 Test wickets for Australia, the second highest tally of all time behind only Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan. He played an instrumental part in Australia’s era of dominance through the 1990s and 2000s alongside fellow greats like Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, winning the 1999 World Cup and five Ashes series.
Watch the video below summarising the story:
Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara add to Shane Warne tributes
15:38 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne was one of the greatest bowlers of all-time and there was nothing better than watching the Australian leggie do battle with some of the all-time great batters.
Two of those foes have paid tribute to Warne following his untimely death aged just 52, with West Indies legend Brian Lara tweeting: “ð And speechless at the moment. I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!! My condolences goes out to his family. RIP Warnie!! You will be missed.”
And Test cricket’s all-time top run-scorer Sachin Tendulkar has also tweeted his shock and condolences:
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
Shane Warne death: Australia cricket legend dies aged 52
15:32 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne, the legendary Australian spin bowler considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died aged 52 of a suspected heart attack while in Thailand.
Warne was on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui when he was found. Local medics attended the scene but could not save him.
“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,” a statement from his management company MPC Entertainment 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.”
Cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52
Shane Warne: Key statistics from Australian leg-spinner’s stunning career
15:25 , Luke Baker
Former Australia spinner Shane Warne has died aged 52, his management company has confirmed.
Warne was on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui when he was found. Local medics attended the scene but could not save him.
“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,” a statement from his management company MPC Entertainment 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 ranks second behind only fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in the all-time list of leading Test wicket-takers and you can read more of the statistics from his stunning career in the piece below.
Shane Warne: Key statistics from Australian leg-spinner’s stunning career
Shane Warne death: Gary Lineker, Piers Morgan and Dan Walker pay tribute to Australia cricket legend
15:22 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne was a cricket icon but such was his raw charisma and instantly-recognisable look, he transcended the sport during his life.
The Australian cricket legend died of a suspected heart attack aged just 52 while in Koh Samui, Thailand, and could not be revived after he was found unresponsive in his Thailand villa.
Following news of his death, fellow celebrities rushed to pay tribute on social media.
Gary Lineker leads celebrity tributes after cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52
Shane Warne’s life and career in pictures
15:17 , Luke Baker
Instantly recognisable and one of the most charismatic figures to ever grace the sport of cricket, there are plenty of images that capture the magic of Shane Warne.
One of the finest bowlers of all time who revived the art of leg spin, has died aged 52 following a suspected heart attack. The Victoria-born spinner enjoyed a colourful life both on and off the cricket field.
Here’s the Australian leg-spin legend’s life and career in pictures.
Australia great Shane Warne dies at 52 – his life and career in pictures
Shane Warne: The Australian cricket legend who redefined spin bowling
15:07 , Luke Baker
Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 52.
Warne, a former captain of Australia’s One-Day International side and vice-captain of the Test team, is considered one of the greatest bowlers of all time. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket.
Born to an Australian father and German mother in Victoria on 13 September 1969, Warne went on to play for the University of Melbourne and by 1990 had begun training at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide.
The following year, Warne moved to England to represent Accrington Cricket Club, before returning to Australia to make his first-class debut for Victoria. Soon thereafter, Warne made his first appearances for Australia’s reserve national teams and would go on to launch a remarkable international career.
Shane Warne: The Australian cricket legend who redefined spin bowling
Shane Warne: Tributes paid to ‘cricket icon’ and ‘complete genius’ after sudden death aged 52
15:04 , Luke Baker
Tributes have been paid to Shane Warne, the Australian cricket legend regarded as the greatest leg-spinner of all time, after his death from a suspected heart attack at the age of 52.
A statement from Warne’s management company said Warne had been found unresponsive at his villa in Thailand and “despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.”
The Barmy Army, England’s supporters club, said Warne was a “complete genius” and “one of the game’s greatest characters” who is “forever etched in Ashes history”.
Shane Warne: Tributes paid to ‘cricket icon’ and ‘complete genius’ after sudden death
England players pay respects to Shane Warne
14:59 , Luke Baker
England and Australia may be fierce rivals on the field but there is respect off it and a number of England players past and present have bene paying their respects to ‘Warney’.
Former England middle-order batter Ian Bell was effusive in his praise, tweeting: “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.”
Fellow cricketing maverick Kevin Pietersen, one of Warne’s main adversaries during the legendary 2005 Ashes series but teammate at Hampshire, was heartbroken at the news, tweeting: “F***!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ðððððððððððððððððððð #RIPKing ðððððððð”
Current England superstar Ben Stokes also tweeted:
Australian Legend@rajasthanroyals Legend
Was an honour to know you and work with you
This man is a LEGEND ❤️❤️#theking 😢 https://t.co/InZb4mH8fH— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) March 4, 2022
Shane Warne dies aged 52
14:50 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne, the legendary Australian spin bowler considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died aged 52 of a suspected heart attack while in Thailand.
Warne was on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui when he was found.
“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,” a statement from his management company MPC Entertainment 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.”
Cricket legend Shane Warne dies aged 52
David Warner and Adam Gilchrist add their condolences
14:48 , Luke Baker
Plenty of Australian cricket greats have been sending out their tributes to the great Shane Warne.
Current Australian opening batter David Warner referenced the deaths of both Wanre and former Australia wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, who died on Friday, tweeting: “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.”
One of Warne’s long-time teammates in the Baggy Green, Adam Gilchrist also indicated his heartbreak at hearing the news.
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 4, 2022
Shane Warne tributes from outside the world of cricket
14:45 , Luke Baker
Such was Shane Warne’s charisma and magnetism that he transcended cricket and was a recognised figure across the world.
Tributes have come in from plenty of people outside cricket, including former England football striker and current Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, who tweeted: “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”
Warne was also good friends with TV personality Piers Morgan, who tweeted his own heartfelt tribute to his friend.
Absolutely devastated to hear that @ShaneWarne has died from a heart attack aged just 52.
He was a genius cricketer, a supreme entertainer, a fantastic bloke and a great loyal friend for many years.
Just gutting news.
RIP Warnie, I loved every minute in your company. pic.twitter.com/RCUGuTU4Gm— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 4, 2022
Shane Warne pays tribute to Rod Marsh before his death
14:39 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne is the second iconic Australian cricketer to pass away in as many days, following legendary wicketkeeper Rod Marsh - who passed away aged 74 on Friday.
Only a few hours before his death, Warne had tweeted his own tribute to the passing of the fellow Australian great.
“Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed,” Warne tweeted. “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 mateâ¤ï¸.”
Tributes pouring in for Shane Warne
14:36 , Luke Baker
The tributes are pouring in for Shane Warne following his tragic death aged just 52.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has summed up the hock of many, saying on Twitter:
“Shocking to hear the demise of Shane Warne ! He was one of the greatest wrist spinners to ever grace the game! My heartfelt condolences to his family , friends and fans from across the world! May his soul rest in peace”
Shocking to hear the demise of Shane Warne ! He was one of the greatest wrist spinners to ever grace the game! My heartfelt condolences to his family , friends and fans from across the world! May his soul rest in peace 🙏! pic.twitter.com/B5gMVJZRGk
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) March 4, 2022
Mohammad Hafeez pays tribute to Shane Warne
14:32 , Luke Baker
The tributes to one of cricket’s all-time icons have already started to pour in, with Pakistan cricket legend Mohammad Hafeez among them.
Hafeez, who only retired from cricket at the age of 41 earlier this year is something of a legend of the sport himself - making almost 400 international appearances across all formats for Pakistan, making more than 12,000 runs.
Extremely sad news 💔 RIP @ShaneWarne absolute legend of the game 🏏. Sad day for all cricket fraternity pic.twitter.com/c32FcGbxzz
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) March 4, 2022
Shane Warne’s legendary career
14:28 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne was one of the greatest cricketers of all-time and undoubtedly the sport’s great leg-spinner.
He was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century, claimed 708 Test wickets in a 15-year career between 1992 and 2007, and was also a World Cup winner with Australia in 1999.
Only Muttiah Muralitharan has more Test wickets than the Australian and with his bleach blonde hair, he was instantly recognisable
Shane Warne dies aged 52
14:19 , Luke Baker
Shane Warne has passed away at the age of 52.
The Australia cricket legend and greatest leg-spinner of all time passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack, as confirmed by his management company who released a brief statement in the early hours of Saturday (AEDT).
“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.”
