According to Fox Sports, Australian spin great Shane Warne, 52, died following a suspected heart attack.
“Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Shane was found unresponsive at his villa [in Thailand] and could not be revived,” Warne’s management said in a statement.
“At this time, the family begs privacy and will share additional information as soon as possible.”
Warne, largely regarded as the best spinner in history, has 708 wickets in 145 Tests for Australia.
He was the second-highest wicket-taker in Test history, trailing only Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 800 wickets. The Warne–Muralitharan Trophy was established in 2007 by Cricket Australia and Sri Lanka Cricket to honour the tandem.
Warne was named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century for his unprecedented achievements across a 15-year career between 1992 and 2007. He made his Test debut against India at the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground. He was honoured into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2013.
He helped Australia win the World Cup in 1999 and has taken more Ashes wickets than any other bowler, with a total of 195. After retiring from international cricket, Warne added to his fame by serving as captain and coach of the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, which won the inaugural season of the tournament.
Warne was a colourful figure on and off the field who also achieved popularity as a commentator and was regarded as one of the game’s sharpest analysts. Warne died on a day when Australian cricket was in mourning following the death of legendary wicketkeeper Rod Marsh.
