Australia cricket star Shane Warne has passed away of a suspected heart attack in Thailand. He was 52 years of old.
Warne is broadly regarded as one of the greatest bowlers to have played the game, having retired as Test cricket’s second most prolific wicket-taker.
Warne’s management company in a brief statement released on Friday confirmed that he passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack.
“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.
The leg spinner carved a storied career during his time playing for Australia and was affectionately called ‘Warnie’. He remained a popular figure post retirement, forging a successful broadcasting career as commentator and expert.
Warne played 145 Tests and 194 ODIs between 1992 and 2007 and took a combined 1001 wickets during his storied international career.
Post retirement, Warne famously guided Rajasthan Royals to a fairy-tale title win in the inaugural season of Indian Premier League in 2008 as their captain and coach.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
The news is the second devastating blow for Australian cricket within 24 hours with fellow great, Rod Marsh, also dying on Friday having suffered a major heart attack last week.
