Australia has been rocked by the loss of one of its greatest ever sports stars, with Shane Warne dead at age 52.
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The cricket world was left stunned early on Saturday morning with news that Warne had died while on holiday in Thailand of a suspected heart attack.
"It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday 4th March," the statement read.
"Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived."
The news came less than 24 hours after the death of fellow Australia cricket legend Rod Marsh, and left a gaping hole in the sport.
It also came as a complete shock to Australia's players in Pakistan, who were only moving back to their hotel after day one of the first Test when they heard the news.
"Hard to fathom," Test captain Pat Cummins tweeted.
"We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill.
"Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge affect on all he met. He transcended cricket.
"RIP King."
Warne was Australia's greatest-ever bowler and arguably the country's second greatest cricketer in history behind Don Bradman.
Named one of the five cricketers of the 20th century by Wisden when he was still midway through his career, Warne owned the field in the way few others have.
A magician with the ball, the legspinner remains Australia's leading wicket-taker and sits second behind Muthiah Muralidaran globally with 708 scalps in 145 Tests.
He played one of the most influential roles in Australia's golden era of cricket, announcing himself with the magic ball that bowled Mike Gatting in 1993 and bowing out with a 5-0 Ashes whitewash at home in 2006-07.
In between times, he bowled Australia to the 1999 World Cup, helping them back from the brink with unforgettable displays in the semi-final and final.
Such was Warne's brilliance, he took a record 96 wickets in the penultimate year of his career and remains one of Australia's most recognisable sporting stars.
All up he finished with 1001 international wickets across all formats, earning spots in the ICC, Australian cricket ands Australian sport Hall of Fame.
More notably, he inspired a generation of legspinners world over and was often seen working with young exponents of the art in nets as they progressed through pathways.
Warne was active on social media as recently as late as Friday, paying tribute to Marsh who also died of a heart attack he suffered last week.
Hours later, Australian cricket was mourning Warne's loss, shocked by his sudden departure.
"Two legends of our game have left us too soon," David Warner posted.
"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."
Adam Gilchrist also posted 12 broken heart emojis on his Twitter, while several cricketers worldwide took to social media to share their shock and hurt.
Thai police have since told Reuters that Warne's body had been taken for an autopsy and friends who found him would be spoken with, but added there were no signs of foul play.
SHANE WARNE (September 13, 1969 - March 4, 2022)
* Tests: 145
* Test Wickets: 708 at 25.41
* Test Runs: 3154 at 17.32
* ODIs: 194
* ODI wickets: 293 at 25.73
* ODI runs: 1018 and 13.05
* One of five Wisden Cricketers of 20th century
* Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
* ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
* Sport Australia Hall of Fame
* 1999 World Cup winner
* 1999 World Cup player of the final
Australian Associated Press