Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has been found dead at his villa in Thailand. Even before his death, Warne was considered one of the best cricketers of all time, who announced himself with the “Ball of the Century” in England.
Image: Reuters)
Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has died aged just 52.
The spin-bowler was known as one of the true greats of the game, bowling the ‘Ball of the Century’ against England in 1993.
Warne is remembered by names across the world of sports and showbiz. His management said, “Shane was found unresponsive at his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be resuscitated.”
Just 12 hours before his death, Shane had tweeted a tribute to Rod Marsh.
He said: “Rod cared deeply about cricket and gave so much – especially to players from Australia and England. Sending lots of love to Ros and family. RIP buddy.”
Recently, Warne even talked about taking on the vacant position as England cricket coach as he remained a sought-after cricket expert and turned to commentating after his retirement.
Shane was the second-highest wicket-taker of all time in Test cricket and is still regarded as one of the best, long after he retired from international cricket in 2007. He finally retired from all forms of cricket in 2013 at the age of 43.
Since his death, tributes have been received for Warne.
Who Was Shane Warne?
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Barcroft Media)
Shane Warne was an Australian cricketer who was born in 1969 and made his Test debut in 1992.
Warne has rarely been far from the limelight during and after his career, and after splitting from first wife Simone Callahan – with whom he had three children – he finally began dating British model and actress Liz Hurley in late 2010. The couple was engaged but called off their romance in 2013.
Warne has reportedly been dubbed an “old softie” by his friends and revealed in January this year that he’s looking forward to becoming a grandpa.
He had three children — two daughters named Brooke, 24, and Summer, 20 — and a son, 22-year-old Jackson.
A documentary about his life is available on Amazon Prime Video entitled Shane.
Shane Warne’s cricket career
Following his international debut, Warne recorded an incredible 708 wickets in 145 games, earning him the title of one of the best players to ever play the game.
He was an integral part of the side that went unbeaten against English sides in the Ashes between 1989 and 2003. England finally won back the ballot box in 2005 in one of the greatest Test series of all time.
He was known to English viewers both as a revolutionary spinner, tearing apart the English batting lineup, and as part of the club and county setup.
Recently, Warne even raised the possibility that he could take over as England’s cricket coach after the disastrous 4-0 defeat Down Under.
He told Sky Sports Cricket Podcast: “I’d love to do it, it’s a great time being England manager.
“I think I would do a pretty good job, there is a lot to do. There are so many good players in England and so much depth, but you have to get some of the basics right.
What was the ball of the century?
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Warne’s “Ball of the Century” took place in the 1993 Ashes series and was thrown against Talisman English batsman Mike Gatting.
It was Warne’s first ball against England and Gatting was known for his skill at leg spin bowling. Despite this, the ball threw itself well outside the stump and its incredible spin meant it eventually hit the top of the stump.
Warne said of the ball: “I take a step, I bowl and I let go of the ball and it’s all like it happened in slow motion.
“Gatting was trying to shoot him. He drifted and he followed the drift. He tipped over, narrowly missing his club and only cutting off the tip of the stump. First ball in an Ashes series and it felt damn good.”
Some of Warnes’ cricket achievements are as follows:
- Second highest number of wickets ever and most by an Australian.
- Career-best numbers of eight to 71 in the Gabba against England in 1994.
- Most test runs – 4172 – without scoring a century.
- 10 test moves of 10 wickets.
- Highest number of wickets in a calendar year at 96.
How did Shane Warne die?
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action pictures)
Warne is believed to have died of a suspected heart attack after being found dead at his home.
Shane’s reps said, “The family is asking for privacy at this time and will provide more details in due course.”
Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag said: “I can’t believe it. One of the biggest crackpots, the man who made Spin cool, superstar Shane Warne, is no more. Life is very fragile, but that is very difficult to fathom. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world.”
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