Shane Warne, the Australian cricketing legend, had announced his plans to return to his peak physical form just days before he died of a heart attack. He was 52.
Warne posted a photo from a few years back, showing off his great shape, and announced, “Operation shred has started (10 days in) & the goal by July is to get back to this shape from a few years ago! Let’s go”.
Warne’s management released a brief statement to the Australian media, saying that he passed away 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, and added, “The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course”.
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Warne, known as the King of Spin, breathed life into the dying art of leg-spin deliveries. Moreover, his cool persona with the bleached hair, ear stud and affinity for surfing made him a folk hero among young cricketing aficionados.
Warne, who made his Test debut against India at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, 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.
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.
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Warne held the record for 708 Test wickets, which was eventually broken by Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in 2007. 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.
Warne’s death comes a day after the demise of wicketkeeping legend Rod Marsh, which the Australian cricketing world was mourning. The King of Spin had also posted a tweet, “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”.
