Shane Warne: Cricket pays tribute after death of its 'greatest showman'

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins says Shane Warne was a «once-in-a-century cricketer» as he led the tributes to the iconic leg-spinner who died on Friday aged 52.

Warne took 708 Test wickets, the second most of all time, in 145 matches across a stellar 15-year international career.

Known for his showmanship and charisma, Warne inspired a generation of fans and players alike.

«The game of cricket was never the same after Shane emerged,» said Cummins.

«And it will never be the same now he has gone. So many of us in the playing group grew up idolising him and fell in love with this great sport as a result. Rest in peace, King.»

Cummins added: «Shane was a once-in-a-century cricketer and his achievements will stand for all time, but apart from the wickets he took and the games he helped Australia win, what he did was draw so many people to the sport.

»Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge effect on all he met. He transcended cricket."

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss described Warne as the sport's «greatest showman».

«There were other great cricketers who when you looked at their records would potentially equal Shane's or maybe in some cases even better them. But there was no greater star in cricket than Shane Warne,» said Strauss.

«And you felt that when you went on the pitch against him — it was his show and you were just a small part of his show. He literally was the greatest showman.»

Warne shot to prominence in astonishing fashion in the 1993 Ashes in England.

With his first ball of the series, he bowled Mike Gatting with a stunning delivery that pitched outside leg stump and clipped the top of off stump and later became widely known