Shane Warne, Australian cricket legend has died aged 52 from a suspected heart attack.
Following the news of his passing, tributes have been pouring in from celebrities and sporting stars.
Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, tweeted: "Terribly saddened and shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne has died. The greatest spin bowler of all time. Can’t quite believe it. RIP Shane."
Gary Neville, English football pundit also joined the tributes by posting: "Oh no! News that shakes you and stops you right in your track. RIP Shane Warne."
England Cricket posted on their official account: "One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne"
Current stars of the cricketing world have also been paying their respect.
Rohit Gurunath Sharma, captain of the Indian national team said: I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne….still can’t believe it."
Ben Stokes current vice-captain of the England Test team also reacted to the news: "Legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you This man is a LEGEND."
Virender Sehwag, widely regarded as one of India's best cricketers of all-time, added: "Cannot believe it. One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more."
Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene tweeted: “One of the greatest in our generation!! Shocked and sad to hear the news. RIP Shane.”
Shane Warne
David Jones
Pakistan legend Shoab Aktar said: "Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away. No words to describe how shocked & sad i am."
West Indies' Brian Lara posted in a heartfelt message: "Speechless at the moment. I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!!"
Warne’s former team-mate Adam Gilchrist tweeted: “Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work.
Reuters Photographer
“Have often felt a tad selfish, that Heals and I pretty much exclusively are the only ones who had that thrill and pleasure at Test level. Rip Warnie.”
Former England middle-order batter Ian Bell 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.”
Sachin Tendulkar, legendary India batter tweeted: "Shocked, stunned & miserable… Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!"
Australian actor Hugh Jackman also rushed to Twitter to give an emotional statement: " Like you all I am in shock to wake to the news that Shane Warne had passed away. I’m grateful to have known him, and to have witnessed his once in a generation talent. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and close friends at this incredibly difficult time. Rest well Shane."
Jason O'Brien
Arvind Kejriwal, an Indian politician was also "shocked" by the news added: "My heart goes out to his friends, family and fans across the world."
Australian bowler Shane Warne
Owen Humphreys
A statement from Warne’s management company said Warne had been found unresponsive at his villa in Thailand and “despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived."
Over the span of his career, Shane amassed 708 wickets in his 145 Tests, ranking him second behind only fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in the all-time list of leading Test wicket-takers.
Hours before Shane's death, the sporting star went to Twitter to pay tribute to Rod Marsh, Australian wicketkeeper who was also confirmed dead, aged 74 last week.
Shane wrote: "Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls.
"Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate."
