Melbourne : The family of Australian cricket icon Shane Warne has been offered a state funeral after his sudden death. Warne, widely regarded as the greatest spinner, died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday. He was 52. “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,” said Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, in a statement.
“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,” he added. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tributes to the former cricketer. “Australians have woken in shock and sadness to the awful news of the death of Shane Warne, aged just 52. 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,” tweeted Morrison.
“His achievements were the product of his talent, discipline & passion for the game he loved. But Shane was more than this to Australians. He 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. We are all bewildered today by this sad and sudden loss. And for this to happen the day after losing the indomitable Rod Marsh, it doesn’t seem imaginable. “There was none like Shane. He lived his life his way.
He had his great achievements, but also his regrets. He carried them all the same way. With a cheeky smile & a zest for life. Our love & condolences go to Shane’s family & particularly his children Brooke, Jackson, & Summer.” 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.