Politicians, celebrities and teammates offered tributes to Australia’s record-breaking cricketer Shane Warne, who died at the age of 52.
Warne died following a suspected heart attack on Friday in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison released a statement paying tribute to Warne, saying he will be offered a state funeral.
“Australians have woken in shock and sadness to the awful news of the death of Shane Warne,” Mr Morrison said.
“Shane was one of our greatest cricketers of all time, one of only a few that could approach the extraordinary achievements of the great Don Bradman. His achievements were the product of his talent, his discipline and passion for the game he loved.
“But Shane was more than this to Australians. Shane was one of our nation’s greatest characters. His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all. Australians loved him. We all did.
“There was something magical that he brought to our summers. The bleached blonde hair, the almost casual way he moved to send down a delivery, and his engagement with the crowd. He was one of a kind.
“He inspired so many girls and boys to try their hand at cricket. He made it all look so easy. At some point, in most Australian backyards, we all tried to deliver a flipper.
“As we heard as a commentator, behind the playfulness that we associated with Shane, there was a player who understood the strategies and intricacies of cricket as few others. A brilliance that will always be remembered alongside that of Bradman and Benaud.
“There was also a generosity to so many people away from the cameras. With a smile and a g’day he’d bridge every gap.
“Shane was his own man, following his own path. In those times when he could have been knocked down by the headlines, he got back up. He always did.
“Shane was the ‘King of Spin’ because there was none like him. The ‘ball of the century’ will be talked about forever.
“Our love and condolences go to Shane’s family and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson, and Summer.
“We have lost one of Australia’s greatest cricketers and today we are bewildered by this sad and sudden loss.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed he has offered Warne’s family a State Funeral for the cricketing great.
Ina statement he released Mr Andrews states the following:
“Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend. And the entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King.
Shane Warne didn’t just inspire a cricketing generation – he defined it.
He was born for the big occasion, and gave us irreplaceable MCG memories. The Ashes hat trick, his 700th wicket and calming Bay 13 in his trackies. His performance on the pitch drew us to the game that he cared so deeply for.
Nobody who saw Shane Warne play will ever forget him.
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 – and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.
I have offered a State Funeral to his family so Victorians can pay tribute to his legacy and contribution to our state, community and country.
Rest in peace, Warnie.”
