Legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died of a suspected heart attack aged 52. Warne took 708 Test wickets, the second most of all time, in 145 matches across a stellar 15-year international career. His management company said Warne had been found unresponsive in his villa on the Thai island Koh Samui on Friday. "It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack," they said. "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." Warne helped Australia win the 1999 50-over World Cup and claimed 293 dismissals in 194 One-Day Internationals between 1993 and 2005. He retired from international cricket in 2007 following Australia's 5-0 Ashes clean sweep of England at home, also retiring from first-class and List A cricket later that year with Hampshire, for whom he had played for five seasons, and had captained since 2004. Warne continued to play Twenty20 franchise cricket until retiring from all formats in 2013. He worked regularly as a commentator and pundit, as well as holding coaching roles at T20 franchises. He is survived by his three children with former wife Simone Callahan. Warne holds the record for the most Ashes wickets in history, with 195 dismissals in 36 Tests. He made his Test debut against India in 1992 after only seven first-class matches for his native Victoria, but announced himself on the world stage in astonishing style in the 1993 Ashes in England. With his first ball of the series, Warner bowled England batter Mike Gatting with a stunning delivery that pitched outside leg stump and clipped the top of off stump. It became widely known as the 'ball of the century'. That was the first of six Ashes victories in a row involving Warne, until the run was ended by England's famous 2-1 win in 2005, despite the leg-spinner taking a staggering 40 wickets in that series. Warne gained revenge in 2006-07 when Australia won 5-0 and he retired on the same day as long-time teammates Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer. Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who formed a formidable partnership with Shane Warne, posted a very simple message. Emojis of broken hearts. Another Australian cricketing legend passed away overnight, as former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh died at the age of 74 after suffering a heart attack a week ago. In a poignant last message, Warne paid tribute to Marsh on social media earlier Friday. "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". Former India opener Virender Sehwag too paid tribute to Warne, tweeting, "Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more. "Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world." — BBC
