Tributes have poured in after Shane Warne, one of the greatest cricketers the game has ever known, died at the age of 52.
Warne is credited with having revolutionised leg-spin bowling, with wrist-spin a dying art before he revived it in one ball. His maiden Ashes delivery drifted and pitched outside Mike Gatting’s leg-stump before spinning and hitting off, and is regularly referred to as the Ball of the 20th Century.
He ended his career with 708 Test wickets to his name, a marker only better by his contemporary Muttiah Muralitharan, with seven Ashes wins, a Cricket World Cup win in 1999, and a slew of other records to his name. Notably, he took 195 Test wickets against England, the most any bowler has taken against a single team. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Century in the 2000 Wisden Almanack.
His death sent the cricketing world into shock, with his most recent tweet, posted only hours ago, paying tribute to Rod Marsh, another Australia cricketer who had died.
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❤️
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 4, 2022
Former teammates, opponents and many else besides remembered one of the game’s best loved and most iconoclastic cricketers.
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! pic.twitter.com/219zIomwjB
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 4, 2022
He loved you Jaddu. Remember the time in '08 at the DY Patil Stadium….He called you over and said to me "This kid is a rockstar". We chatted more than once about you and he was very fond of you and of Yusuf. https://t.co/P9MUWARLyo
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 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
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. https://t.co/NEN2VwbUtJ— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) March 4, 2022
Last saw Shane Warne the day after Australia's Ashes win in Hobart. During our 10-min chat outside the hotel he was repeatedly asked for autographs/selfies etc by passing fans, and met every single one with charm, warm words and a few wise-cracks. A genuine man of the people.
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) March 4, 2022
The global cricketing community is poorer today with the passing away of Australian great Shane Warne. The BCCI mourns the loss of the champion cricketer who enriched the game with his craft. pic.twitter.com/ZXiRUTr5eJ
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2022
It’s a sad day for world cricket. First the news of Rodney Marsh & now Shane Warne 💔 Heartbreaking! I have fond memories of playing with Warne. He was the king of spin & a legend of the game who’s gone way before his time. RIP. You will be missed 🙏🏻 my condolences to his family
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 4, 2022
No words can describe, Warnie was beyond the stars. A once in a lifetime entertainer, made our game magical. #RIP #ShaneWarne
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 4, 2022
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
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 4, 2022
