Cricket legend Shane Warne dead at 52

Shane Warne, one of the most influential figures in Australian sport, has passed away aged 52 of a suspected heart attack on Friday (4).

Not many hours before his death, Warne had paid his respects to another legend of Australian cricket Rodney Marsh, who had also died of a heart attack.

His manager James Erskine released a statement on Saturday morning confirming the former Test leg-spinner had passed away in 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,” the statement read.

“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”

Warne is survived by three children: Jackson, Brooke and Summer.

Warne is regarded as one of the finest cricketers in history, claiming 708 Test wickets at 25.41 in 145 matches between 1992 and 2007. No Australian has taken more international wickets than the Victorian.

Warne was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013, and was named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Vivian Richards.

The leg-spinner featured in Australia’s 1999 World Cup triumph, winning six Ashes series.

After his retirement, Warne served as a commentator and broadcaster for Channel 9 and Fox Cricket.

“Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed,” Warne tweeted on Friday morning. “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 was credited with reviving the art of leg-spin – his career tally of 708 Test wickets was surpassed only by Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan with 800.

Australian opener David Warner 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 cannot believe it. #rip, you will both be missed.”

Australian Cricket Captain Pat Cummins has paid tribute to a man he says "transcended cricket".

Tweeting from Rawalpindi, where just hours ago he led an Australian Test team on a Pakistani pitch for the first time in 24 years, the fast bowler said he was it was "hard to fathom" the death of the "King".

"We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill," he said.

"Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket.

"He had a huge affect (sic) on all he met. He transcended cricket."