Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting, have paid tribute to their friend and former teammate Shane Warne amid the collective devastation following his shock death at just 52-years-old.
Police in Thailand said a friend staying at the same complex went to check on Warne when the cricket star failed to arrive for dinner and found him unconscious at the villa. Warne was taken by ambulance to Thai International Hospital but could not be revived. His body was transferred to Ko Samui Hospital for an autopsy.
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The Australian men’s national team was told of Warne’s death following play on the first day of the series-opening test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
“We all grew up watching Warnie, idolising him,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said. “What we loved so much about Warnie was his showmanship, his charisma, his tactics, the way he willed himself and the team around him to win games for Australia.
“The game was never the same after Warnie emerged and the game will never be the same after his passing. Rest in peace, King.”
Warne held the record for most test wickets (708) when he retired in 2007 after his 145th match. Only Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has passed him, with 800.
As the sporting world processes the legend’s tragic passing, McGrath said he thought his teammate was indestructible.
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“Just absolutely devastated today,” McGrath, who retired from cricket on the same day as Warne in 2007, wrote on Instagram.
“Warnie was larger than life. I thought nothing could ever happen to him. He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20. He was the ultimate competitor.
“He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around & bring us to victory, which he did so many times. I think he lived his life the same way. There seemed to be never a dull moment. He was a great mate & a loving father.
“He loved his kids so much & my thoughts are with Brooke, Jackson & Summer. My thoughts are also with Keith, Bridgette & Jason. Rest In Peace my good mate, there’ll never again be anyone like you.”
Ponting took to social media to express gratitude for time the pair shared together in the national team.
https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1499946693395025924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1499946700495933441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“…someone who would be there for you when you needed him and always put his mates first,” Ponting wrote.
“The greatest bowler I ever played with or against. RIP King. My thoughts are with Keith, Bridgette, Jason, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.”
Warne’s death came only a few hours after he expressed his sadness and condolences following the death of another Australian great, wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh, at age 74.
“He was a legend of our great game & and inspiration to so many young boys and girls,” Warne posted on Twitter. “Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much – especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate.”
After the shock news of Warne’s death, tributes flowed in cricket’s iconic stars and high-profile fans including Mick Jagger and actor Russell Crowe.
“Will miss you Warnie,” India great Sachin Tendulkar posted on Twitter. “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!”
West Indies great Brian Lara echoed Tendulkar.
“My friend is gone!!” Lara said. “We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!! RIP Warnie!! You will be missed.”
Born in Upper Ferntree Gully near Melbourne, Warne showed prodigious talent from a young age and won a sports scholarship to a prestigious high school. After a brief attempt at becoming a professional Australian rules football player in 1988, he went to train at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide and made his first-class debut in 1991.
Warne is survived by his children Jackson, Brooke and Summer, his parents Bridgette and Keith, and brother Jason.
Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews, supported by Australia’s federal government, has offered a state funeral.
“Nobody who saw Shane Warne play will ever forget him,” Andrews said. “To us, he was the greatest — but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane’s family and friends.”
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