Legendary cricketer Shane Warne dies of heart attack at 52

Spin legend Shane Warne, who bamboozled a host of batsmen during his illustrious career, has died of heart attack at the age of 52 years.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” Warne’s management have confirmed in a statement.

According to a report in Fox Sports, he passed away in Koh Samui in Thailand.

Widely regarded as the greatest spinner ever, the Australian cricketer bagged 708 Test wickets and 293 ODI wickets.

The legendary leg spinner leapt to fame in 1993 by cleaning up England batsman Mike Gatting in his first Ashes Test at the Old Trafford. That delivery is unanimously hailed as “the ball of the century.”

Ironically, just a few hours ago he had condoled the demise of former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh. “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,” he had posted on Twitter.

Warne made his Test debut against India at Sydney in 1992 but was taken to the cleaners by Ravi Shastri and Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 206 and 148 respectively.

However, he bounced back and emerged as the greatest spinner ever in the history of cricket. In 2000, he was named in Wisden’s list of the top five cricketers of the 20th century. Jack Hobbs, Don Bradman, Viv Richards and Gary Sobers were the other four cricketers who were part of the exalted list.

He was a vital cog of the Australian team which won the 50-over World Cup in 1999. Exhibiting his knack of coming good in big matches, he bagged the Man-of-the-Match award in both the semi-final and the final.

In 2008, after he retired from international cricket, Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious under his tutelage in the first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

His biggest cricketing rival, but a personal friend, Sachin Tendulkar said he will always treasure their on-field duels.

“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,” he wrote on Twitter.