New Delhi: Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has died from a suspected heart attack, his management announced Friday.
He was 52.
Warne’s management released a brief statement saying the cricketer passed away in Thailand and the reason could be a possible heart attack.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reported by the website said.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
An iconic name in international cricket, Warne, since making his debut in 1992, played 145 Tests for Australia, picking up 708 wickets. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne got 293 scalps.
Shane Warne was widely considered as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. He was also a useful lower-order batsman, the only to have scored 300 test runs without a century.
He retired from international cricket in January 2007 after Australia drubbed England 5-0 in an Ashes series.
He was the second highest wicket taker in Test history and only Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has more wickets than him with 800. In 2007, Cricket Australia and Sri Lanka Cricket named the Test series between the two sides the Warne–Muralitharan Trophy in the duo’s honour.
Also read: Tributes pour in as ‘King of Spin’ Shane Warne dies aged 52
Warne, who made his Test debut against India at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century for his unparalleled achievements in a 15-year career between 1992 and 2007.
In 2013, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
He helped Australia win the World Cup in 1999 and took more wickets than any other bowler in Ashes cricket, the tally standing at 195.
After retiring from international cricket, Warne added to his legend by doubling up as captain and coach of IPL team Rajasthan Royals’ remarkable title triumph in the event’s inaugural edition.
A flamboyant personality both on and off the field, Warne also found success as a commentator and was considered among the sharpest analysts of the game.
Warne has passed away on a day when Australian cricket was in mourning after the death of wickeeping legend Rod Marsh.
He had condoled his demise in a tweet this morning.
“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,” the legend had posted.
-With inputs from PTI
Also read: Rod Marsh passes away at age of 74