Shane Warne: Australian cricketer Shane Warne death, age, and cricketing legacy

The Australian cricketer went on to become a commentator after retiring from the sport.

International Australian cricketer Shane Warne has died, as announced to the press on March 4th, 2022.

Tributes started coming in within minutes of the announcement, recognising the legacy of what many call one of the world’s finest cricketers ever.

Here’s more about Shane Warne, including his cricketing career.

Shane Warne died at the age of 52 in Thailand. Photo: Getty Images.

How did Shane Warne die?

Few details have been made public so far, with the news being confirmed by Fox Sports, which Warne commentated for.

Early reports state that Warne died of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Tributes to the former Australia cricketer Shane Warne have already begun to poor in on social media. Photo: Gareth Copley/PA Wire.

““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,” read a statement from Warne’s management team. “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.”

What was Shane Warne’s age?

Warne died at the age of 52.

His birthday was September 13th, 1969.

Shane Warne cricketer career highlights

During his cricketing career, Warne lead the Australian national team as captain in One Day Internationals.

He was widely considered to be one of the greatest bowlers in cricketing history, with his record-making 708 Test wickets only surpassed by contemporary rival and fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Viv Richards, Warne’s impact on the game is immediately apparent.

His leg breaks, googlies, flippers and sliders bamboozled many accomplished batters and England were often in his crosshairs. He took 195 wickets at 23.25 with 11 five-fors and four 10-wicket match hauls against the old rivals.

But there was also an affinity with England, with Warne representing Hampshire with distinction from 2000 to 2007.

While he was celebrated on the field, there was a darker side as he and Mark Waugh were fined for accepting money from a bookmaker while he was suspended for 12 months before the start of the 2003 World Cup after testing positive for a diuretic.

However, he established his legacy upon his return, becoming the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets before bowing out after helping Australia seal a 5-0 Ashes victory in the 2006/07 series.

He continued to play on the franchise Twenty20 circuit before retiring from playing altogether in 2013, after which he became well-renowned for his insight and forthright opinion as a commentator and pundit.

Tributes to Shane Warne

England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was coached by Warne in the Indian Premier League, wrote on Instagram: “Australian Legend. @rajasthanroyals Legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you. This man is a LEGEND.”

Former England batter Ian Bell, who faced Warne in the famous 2005 Ashes series, posted: “There are no words. A hero growing up and the greatest player I ever played against. I can’t believe it.

“My thoughts are with his loved ones.”

England paid tribute to Warne on Twitter, adding: “One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne.”

Former West Indies all-rounder Sir Viv Richards posted: Unbelievable. I am shocked to the core. This can’t be true…

“Rest In Peace @ShaneWarne. There are no words to describe what I feel right now. A huge loss for cricket.”

India great Virender Sehwag hailed Warne as “the man who made spin cool”.

Sehwag wrote on Twitter: “Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more.

“Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world.”

Shane Warne and Rod Marsh

Warne’s death came just hours after that of fellow Australia great Rod Marsh, who died aged 74 – with Warne among those paying tribute to him.

Current Australia opener David Warner wrote on Twitter: “Two legends of our game have left us too soon. I’m lost for words, and this is extremely sad.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family. I just can not believe it. #rip, you will both be missed.”

Additional reporting by PA.