English fans at Lord's Cricket Ground raise a glass to Shane Warne

He was England's «greatest tormenter» on the cricket field, the man who took 195 Test wickets against the English team. 

From his earliest days in the game, Shane Warne was the player to watch, the superstar who delivered the «ball of the century» with his first ball in his first Ashes series. 

It was enough to make even the staunchest English cricket fans sit up and take notice. Soon enough, he would earn their grudging respect.

It was at England's home of cricket that the spinner secured his legend: He won every Test he ever played here.

Follow live as the world reacts to the sudden death of Shane Warne.

At the pub next door to Lord's Cricket Ground there was nothing but shock and grief over the Australian who redefined cricket.

Fans and reluctant supporters alike gave a toast to the England cricket team's old foe.

«Here's to Shane Warne,» shouted one table of fans as they clinked glasses in tribute.

«I can't believe it,» one added as they set their drinks down.

The 52-year-old died of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand.

«One of my friend's texted me the news. He's a legend in Australia and he's quite young,» cricket fan Brendan Haran said.

«He's one of the greatest spin bowlers in Australia, in the world.»

Australian Andrew Whillas, who works at Lord's, was preparing to have a beer in honour of the man affectionately referred to as Warnie.

He was «shocked» when he heard the news.

«I grew up watching Shane Warne,» he told the ABC while out with friends at the pub.

Mr Whillas remembers the spinner once making a special request to only be served spaghetti bolognese «with no mushrooms» every night while on tour in the UK. All the other players were served gourmet food.

Those who worked with Warnie say he was great off and on