SYDNEY (AFP) – Australia cricket great Shane Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest Test players of all time, has died of a suspected heart attack aged 52, according to a statement from his management company.
Warne’s management said the retired leg-spinner died in Koh Samui, Thailand.
“It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand on March 4,” the statement read.
“Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” it added.
“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”
The announcement came just hours after the death was announced of fellow Australian great Rod Marsh, one of cricket’s outstanding wicketkeepers.
Warne was credited with reviving the art of leg-spin and during a brilliant 15-year career he took 708 Test wickets – a tally surpassed only by Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 800.
