What made Shane Warne the spin king

Shane Warne, Australia’s legendary cricketer, died on Friday. He was 52. 

Warne’s management released a brief statement to the Australian media, saying that he died in Koh Samui, Thailand.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement reported by various media outlets here said.

“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.” An iconic name in international cricket, Warne, since making his debut in 1992, played 145 Tests for Australia, picking up 708 wickets with his leg-spin. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne snared 293 scalps.

The leg-spinner was the second-highest wicket taker in Tests behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (800).  In 2007, Cricket Australia and Sri Lanka Cricket named the Test series between the two sides the Warne–Muralitharan Trophy in the duo’s honour.

Warne was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century for his unparalleled achievements in a 15-year career between 1992 and 2007. In 2013, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

Also read: Shane Warne wife, children, net worth and other details

He helped Australia win the World Cup in 1999 and took more wickets than any other bowler in Ashes cricket, the tally standing at 195.

After retiring from international cricket, Warne added to his legend by doubling up as captain and coach of IPL team Rajasthan Royals’ remarkable title triumph in the event’s inaugural edition.

A flamboyant personality both on and off the field, Warne also found success as a commentator and was considered among the sharpest analysts of the game.