Shane Warne to receive Australian state funeral

Scott Morrison on Saturday said Australians were "bewildered" by a "sad and sudden loss" of Shane Warne, and announced the cricketing hero would receive a state funeral. "He was one of our nation's greatest characters," Morrison said, marking the 52-year-old's death.

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Former Australia spinner Shane Warne, considered as one of the all-time greats of the game who redefined spin bowling, died on Friday of a suspected heart attack in Thailand. He was 52.

Praising him as inspiration to backyard cricketers across the country, Morrison described a larger-than-life character who lit up each Australian summer. "His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all."

In recognition of Warne's "national achievements his family will be offered a state funeral," Morrison said in a statement. "This will be done in consultation with the Warne family," he said, promising to "ensure we honour Shane's passing and memory."

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Australia cricket great Shane Warne, widely regarded as the greatest leg-spinner of all time, has died aged 52, according to a statement issued by his management company on Friday. The statement said he died in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack. It comes just hours after the death was

Morrison -- who recently tested positive for Covid-19 and is in isolation -- compared Warne to all-time great and fellow Australian Don Bradman. "There was none like Shane," Morrison said. "He lived his life his way. He had his great achievements, but also his regrets. He carried them all the same way. With a cheeky smile & a zest for life."

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