Australian Cricket Legend Shane Warne Passes Away At 52; Sports Fraternity Pays Tribute

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Australia cricket great Shane Warne has died at the age of 52, his management company said on Friday, March 4. "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," the statement said. "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."

Shane Warne was seen by many as the greatest leg-spinner of all time after taking 708 test wickets in a test career spanning from 1992 to 2007. He later played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other Twenty20 competitions before retiring from playing the sport in 2013. But he continued to be involved in the game as a broadcaster and was also the coach / mentor for the Rajasthan Royals team in the IPL.

Tribute to Shane Warne

The cricket world has been responding to the news of Warne's death. Australia's current skipper, Pat Cummins, wrote: "We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill. Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge affect on all he met. He transcended cricket. RIP King." (sic)

The captain of India's national cricket team Rohit Sharma tweeted: "I"m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us."

The England Cricket Twitter account described Warne as "One of the greatest of all-time. A Legend. A genius. You changed cricket". The England men's team are currently in the Caribbean, preparing for a three-Test series against the West Indies.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's vice captain, tweeted he was "shocked beyond words" describing Warne as "A legend of our game, an icon, and someone who revolutionised spin bowling."

Australia opener David Warner also tweeted: "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."

Shane Warne had also expressed his condolences to Rod Marsh's death yesterday in a tweet, just hours before his own passing. "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," Warne said.

West Indies great Brian Lara wrote he was "speechless" on Warne's death, adding: "I literally don't know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!"

Former Pakistan Cricket team captain, Shahid Afridi, also wrote: "The game of cricket has lost what I consider a university of leg-spin bowling today. I was inspired by his bowling from the start of my career and it was always a privilege to play against him."

fh/rt (AFP, Reuters)

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Source: DW