Shane Warne, widely considered to be one of the greatest cricket players, most savvy tacticians, and ultimate competitors, has passed away. He was 52.
He is known as “Warnie” around cricket. He revived leg spin bowling and made it more popular when he appeared on the international scene in 1990s. He was also a big-hearted showman in cricket.
Fox Sports television used Warne as a commentator. A family statement stated that Warne died from a heart attack in Koh Samui (Thailand) early Saturday.
The statement stated that Shane was unresponsive at his villa and, despite all efforts by medical staff, could not be revived.
Cricket Australia called Warne “a true genius in cricket.”
“Shane’s character strength and resilience allowed him to bounce back from career-threatening shoulder and finger injuries. His stamina, his will to win, as well as his self-belief, were key factors in Australia’s success in the late 1990s, early 2000s.
Thai police said that a friend who was staying in the same compound visited Warne to check on him after the cricket star failed arrive for dinner. He found Warne unconscious at the villa. Warne was transported by ambulance to Thai International Hospital, but could not be revived. For an autopsy, his body was taken to Ko Samui Hospital.
After play in the first match of the series-opening Test Match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Warne’s death was announced to the Australian men’s team.
Australia captain Pat Cummins stated that “we all grew up watching Warnie and idolizing him.” Warnie’s charisma, showmanship, tactics, and his will to win for Australia were what we loved the most.
Warnie’s arrival changed the game forever. King, Rest in Peace.
Warne had the record for the most test wickets (708), when he retired from cricket in 2007, after his 145th match. With 800 wickets, Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan off-spinner, has surpassed him.
Jonathan Agnew, a well-known cricket commentator, said that spinning was “a dying art” until Shane Warne arrived.
His career highlights include back-to-back Player-of-the Match awards in the semifinals, final and final of the 1999 Cricket World Cup. He was also included among the Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, colloquially called the sport’s Bible, and five Ashes-winning sides against England. He was also a part of 194 one-day internationals.
Warne’s test debut in Sydney against India was not impressive in 1992, but he quickly rose to prominence across all formats during one the most sustained periods of dominance of any team in cricket.
By the time he was asked for his second test against Sri Lanka in ’92, he had amassed career figures of 1-335. He took three wickets in the final innings without conceding any runs in 13 deliveries, ensuring a narrow win.
Warne was frequently given the ball in Australia’s desperate need for a wicket. He was often able to turn matches around with his amazing bowling.
When he delivered the Ball of the Century to Mike Gatting, he made history by delivering the first toss of the 1993 Ashes Tour. His delivery was so fast that it clipped the bail.
Gatting stated in 2018 that “it’s one of the wonderful highlights of this game.” “One of those pieces of history that belong not only to me, but to probably the greatest legspinner ever.”
Warne was as well known for his life off the fields as he was on them.
He was banned from playing for 12 months after he took a banned substance in a diuretic his mom had given him to “improve the appearance” of his body. But, he returned to bowling in 2004, and became the first ever to score 600 test wickets in Ashes.
The Australian Cricket Board confirmed in 1998 that Mark Waugh and Warne had been penalized four years prior for providing weather and pitch information to an Indian bookmaker. This was during Australia’s 1994 tour of Sri Lanka.
His exploits on the field took their toll and Warne split with Simone, his wife. Simone was the mother of his three kids. In 2010, he was in a relationship with Liz Hurley, an English actress. They split in 2013.
Warne’s passing came just a few hours after expressing his sorrow and condolences for the loss of Rodney Marsh, a cricketer from Australia, who was 74.
Warne wrote on Twitter, “He was a legend in our great game and an inspiration to so many young girls and boys.” “Rod was deeply passionate about cricket and gave so much, especially to Australia and England players. Ros and her family are in my thoughts and prayers. “RIP, mate.”
Following the shocking news that Warne had died, many people paid tribute to cricket’s stars and high-profile supporters like Mick Jagger or Russell Crowe.
Sachin Tendulkar, India’s great cricketer, posted on Twitter: “Will miss your Warnie.” There was never a dull moment when you were around, whether on the field or off. We will always cherish our off-field banter and on-field duels. India always had a special spot for you, and you had a special spot for India. Gone too young!”
West Indies great Brian Lara echoed Tendulkar.
“My friend has left!” !” Lara said. “We have lost one the Greatest Sportsmen ever!” Lara said. Warnie, RIP! Your memory will be cherished.”
Warne was born in Upper Ferntree Gully, near Melbourne. He showed great talent at a young age. He made his first-class debut at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide in 1991 after a brief attempt to become a professional Australian rules soccer player in 1988.
Brooke, Summer, Jackson and Brooke, as well as his parents Bridgette, Keith and brother Jason, are his survivors.
The state premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, was supported by Australia’s federal governments and offered a state funeral.
Andrews stated, “Nobody who saw Shane Warne perform will ever forget him.” He was the greatest to us. But his family saw him as so much more. We are so sorry for Shane’s friends and family.
