The passing of the former Australia leg-spinner has sparked an outpouring of emotional testimonies from across the cricketing fraternity
Cricket's global community has produced waves of tributes to Shane Warne, following the passing of the ex-Australia leg-spinner at the age of 52.
Warne, who took 708 wickets in 145 Tests for Australia, is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
The first bowler to pass 600 scalps in the longest format, a World Cup winner in 1999 and a superstar performer and personality, he is regarded as one of the greats of the sport.
And that is reflected in the warmth and emotion behind the tributes that have flooded in, as news of his passing spread across the world.
Great rival Sachin Tendulkar, the former India batter, has led testimonies.
"Shocked, stunned & miserable," he wrote on Twitter.
"Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field.
"Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!"
In 2000, Warne was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Vivian Richards.
Shocked, stunned & miserable…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 4, 2022
Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you.
Gone too young! pic.twitter.com/219zIomwjB
West Indies legend Richards said: "Unbelievable. I am shocked to the core. This can't be true...
"Rest In Peace, @ShaneWarne. There are no words to describe what I feel right now. A huge loss for cricket."
Brian Lara added: "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!! My condolences goes out to his family. RIP Warnie!! You will be missed."
Current Australia Test captain Pat Cummins, currently in Pakistan, has led the tributes from Warne's homeland: "Hard to fathom. 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."
Part of the first Indian Premier League, Warne coached and captained Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural title in 2008.
England allrounder Ben Stokes, who played for Royals between 2018 and 2021, wrote on social media: "Australian Legend. @rajasthanroyals Legend
"Was an honour to know you and work with you This man is a LEGEND.
View this post on Instagram
"Life is so fickle and unpredictable," said India batter and former captain Virat Kohli. "I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball."
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said: "Find it hard to believe. Such a devastating loss for the cricket world. He literally inspired generations with his magical leg spin. You'll forever be missed #ShaneWarne. My heart and prayers goes to his family, friends, and fans."
Kumar Sangakkara played 596 times for Sri Lanka and latterly sat alongside Warne on the MCC World Cricket committee.
"Absolutely shocked and gutted to hear about @ShaneWarne legend and friend," he said. "Just can’t believe it."
After hanging up his bowling boots, Warne took to the commentary box, working with the likes of Fox Sports in Australia and Sky Sports in the UK.
Among those, he shared a mic with was Ian Botham. "I've lost a great friend on and off the playing field," he said 'One of the best' my thoughts are with (daughters) Jackson Summer & Brooke....RIP Warnster."
Speaking on talkSPORT, fellow ex-Hampshire player, a close friend and commentary box colleague Mark Nicholas said "I would have trusted him with my life".
I've lost a great friend on and off the playing field. “One of the best” my thoughts are with Jackson Summer & Brooke....RIP Warnster
— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) March 4, 2022
“This is one of the greatest cricketers there has ever been, but more than that, one of the most inspirational sporting people there have ever been,” he added.
“I would say I would have trusted him with my life and would rate him as one of the great enthusiasts… of anything. He was up for anything."
A minute's silence was held during the tour match between England and a West Indies President's XI as news broke of Warne's passing
Captain Joe Root said: "I was 14 when that 2005 Ashes was on and that series was a massive influence on my career.
"The way he captured the nation and his phenomenal performances throughout are what make you get into the game and play it."
Aside from his extensive international and brief franchise career, Warne spent seven years at Hampshire. His impact was such that Hants named a stand at the newly-renovated Ageas Bowl after him, in 2012.
Chair Rod Bransgrove said: “As Hampshire captain, he convinced the players to believe in his philosophy and established Hampshire Cricket as a major force in all forms of professional cricket. Off the field, he was competitive, fun, naughty and lovable in equal measure."
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