Australian legend Shane Warne dies of 'suspected heart attack'
In what comes as a disturbing piece of news, Australian legend Shane Warne has passed away of a "suspected heart attack". Warne, who died aged 52, is one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time. His record of 708 Test wickets is second to none among wrist-spinners. Warne was recently associated with Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals. RIP, legend!
As per a statement given to Fox News by Warne's management, the 52-year-old passed away in Thailand of a suspected heart attack. "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," the statement read. "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."
Former Australian leg-spinner, Warne, represented Australia in 145 Tests and 194 ODIs between 1992 and 2007. He went on to take a record 708 wickets in Test cricket at an incredible average of 25.41. The formidable tally includes 37 five-wicket hauls and 10 hauls of 10 wickets. Warne recorded a best innings haul of 8/71 and the best match haul of 12/128.
Warne made his international debut in the Sydney Test against India (1992). His searing leggies haunted the batters as his career progressed. In a career that spanned over 16 years, Warne took a record 1,001 wickets from 339 internationals at 25.51.
A year after retiring, Warne was named the skipper of Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) edition (2008). He led the Royals to the IPL title in the absence of marquee players. His captaincy stood out throughout the tournament, especially in the final against Chennai Super Kings. Warne boasts a decent record in the IPL, having scalped 57 wickets at 25.39.
Warne revitalized the art of leg-spin in late 1990s. His very first delivery in his first Ashes Test (Old Trafford, 1993) took the world by storm. Warne produced a mind-boggling delivery that knocked over former England cricketer Mike Gatting. The ball turned sharply from leg-stump and bamboozled him. Warne's searing delivery is known as the "Ball of the Century".
