Tasmania, March 5 : Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Saturday paid a rich tribute to spin wizard Shane Warne, who tragically passed away from a suspected heart attack. Ponting and Warne played together during Australia’s domination in world cricket. “Hard to put this into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the Academy. He gave me my nickname. We were teammates for more than a decade, riding all the highs and lows together. Through it all he was someone you could always count on, someone who loved his family, someone who would be there for you when you needed him and always put his mates first,” tweeted Ponting. “The greatest bowler I ever played with or against. RIP King. My thoughts are with Keith, Bridgette, Jason, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.” Adam Gilchrist, former Australia wicketkeeper-batter and Warne’s teammate, is “numb” after learning about the spinner’s untimely demise. “Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work. Have often felt a tad selfish, that Heals and I pretty much exclusively are the only ones who had that thrill and pleasure at Test level. Rip Warnie,” said Gilchrist. Glenn McGrath, one of the greatest Australian bowlers of all time, posted a picture with Warne on Instagram and wrote, “Just absolutely devastated today. 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.” Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh shared a picture with Warne lifting the 1999 World Cup trophy on Instagram and captioned, “So many memories and moments that will never be forgotten.It was a privilege and a pleasure to play alongside you. My thoughts and condolences are with the Warne family. R.I.P. Warnie.” Warne made his Test debut in 1992 against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, going on to become the most successful leg-spinner of all time. He played 145 Tests, finishing with 708 wickets that included 37 five-wicket hauls and 10 10-wicket match hauls. In 194 ODI appearances, Warne snared 293 scalps.