Cricket world mourns death of Australia great Shane Warne at 52

Former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne, one of the greatest cricketers of all-time and among its most recognisable names, has died aged 52 following a suspected heart attack.

Warne – a larger-than-life character whose 708 Test wickets has only been surpassed by contemporary rival and fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan – could not be revived after being found unresponsive in his Thailand villa.

“It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday 4 March,” a statement from his management company read.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.

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

Leg-spin was considered to be outdated when a portly Warne, sporting his peroxide-dyed blond hair, burst on to the scene in January 1992 but he banished that notion over the course of an illustrious 15-year international career.

Warne was the first to 700 Test wickets, retiring immediately after helping Australia to a 5-0 Ashes win in his 145th match, while he guided his nation to the 1999 World Cup and ended with 293 one-day dismissals in 194 games.

Australia captain Pat Cummins led the tributes on Twitter, saying: “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”

Named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Viv Richards, Warne