Shane Warne: Latest news and tributes as Australian cricket legend’s death not treated as suspicious

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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***!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 #RIPKing 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭”

Current England superstar Ben Stokes also tweeted:

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.”

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.

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.

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 mate❤️.”

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”