In a shocking news, Australian legendary spinner Shane Warne passed away at 52. Cricketing fraternity across the world mourned the loss of arguably one of the best spinners to have produced out of Australia. On Friday, the former Australian bowler’s management team released a statement which read, “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived”. So far, the cause of his death has not yet been confirmed, although many publications are speculating that the 52-year-old cricketer passed away due to heart attack. A veteran on the field of cricket, he represented Australia in over 145 Tests and 194 One Day Internationals in a career that spanned over 15 years. Credited to have bowled the “Ball of Century”, Warne holds the record of being the second highest wicket taker with 708 scalps across all formats.
The Facts of the Matter
The cricket fraternity was shaken today after the news of Shane Warne’s demise spread like wildfire. Arguably one of the all-time-greats to have graced the field of cricket, Shane Warne was known for his deceptive spin bowling that was responsible for strengthening the mighty Australian side during the 1990s and 2000s.
Shane Warne’s Team Issues Statement
On Friday, Shane Warne’s management team issued a statement which 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”.
The death of Warne comes as a double shock for cricketing fans across the world, and especially Australia. His death was reported just hours after another Australian icon Rod Marsh, was reported to have died due to heart attack at an age of 74.
Cricketing Fraternity Mourns for Shane Warne’s Loss
After his demise, the cricket fraternity across the world mourned for his loss and express its shock. Former team India captain Virat Kohli, who played his 100th Test today, took to Twitter, and wrote, “Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball.”
Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball. pic.twitter.com/YtOkiBM53q
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 4, 2022
Legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar expressed his shock and wrote, “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!”
Other prominent cricketers across different teams and nationalities broke ranks to mourn the loss of the legendary spinner.
Cannot believe it.
One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more.
Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world. pic.twitter.com/f7FUzZBaYX— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 4, 2022
I am in agony. Grief. And have no words. I was lucky enough to know him well. The magic will stay forever. #ShaneWarne #GreatestOfHisKind. In disbelief.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 4, 2022
Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away. No words to describe how shocked & sad i am.
What a legend. What a man. What a cricketer. pic.twitter.com/4C8veEBFWS— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 4, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/uZdEdNz0x9
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) March 4, 2022
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 https://t.co/gduLY9bIwg
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) March 4, 2022
FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭#RIPKing 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) March 4, 2022
Absolutely shocked and gutted to hear about @ShaneWarne legend and friend. Just Can’t believe it.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) March 4, 2022
The Life and Times of Shane ‘Warnie’ Warne (1969-2022)
Labelled as Wisden’s one of the Five Cricketers of the Century, Shane Warne was arguably one of the finest spinners to have played in the sport’s existence. With a career that spanned over a decade and a half, he scalped 293 ODI wickets and a whopping 708 wickets in Tests, second to only another spinning wizard, Muttiah Muralitharan.
His Test debut came back in 1992 against India in Sydney and his ODI debut occurred in 1993 against New Zealand. He was part of an Australian team that comprised of similar icons including Rickey Ponting, Brett Lee, Adam Ghilchrist, and Glenn McGrath.
In 1999, he was part of the World Cup winning Australian team and was adjudged the Man of the Match in the series final that was held against Pakistan. He scalped 4 wickets in the final and conceded only 33 runs.
His 708 total wickets came at a staggering average of 25.41. This included 37 5-wicket hauls, 10 ten-fors. Meanwhile, his ODI records were equally astounding with 293 wickets at an average of 25.73.
Many millennial cricket fans also remember Warne for bowling the “ball of the century” against Mike Gatting during an Ashes outing in 1993.
Will never tire of watching his ball of the century.
RIP Shane Warne ❤️🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/bCSIknoYEM
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) March 4, 2022
We offer condolences to the legendary cricketer’s family and the fans of the sport, our deepest condolences.
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