Australian cricket icon Shane Warne has died at the age of 52 from a 'suspected heart attack'.
Warne's management team released a brief statement on Friday, confirming he had passed away on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand.
“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.”
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Warne is widely viewed as the greatest leg-spinner of all time, having taken 708 wickets in Test cricket over the course of a remarkable 15-year international career with Australia between 1992 and 2007.
He was the joint-leading wicket-taker when Australia won the Cricket World Cup in 1999, and was part of five Ashes-winning sides between 1993 and 2003.
Warne famously produced the 'Ball of the Century' with his first delivery of the 1993 Ashes tour, dismissing England batsman Mike Gatting.
In total, he took 1001 wickets for Australia across all formats and remains second on the all-time list of top wicket-takers in Test cricket, behind only Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan.
Warne's death comes just 24 hours after that of fellow Australian cricket icon Rod Marsh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 74 after suffering a major heart attack last week.
In his final post on Twitter, Warne had sent his condolences to Marsh’s family.
He wrote: “Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls.
“Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate.”
Tributes have poured in for Warne, who established successful careers in both commentary and coaching after retiring in 2007.
Australian opener David Warner tweeted: “Two legends of our game have left us too soon. 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.”
England all-rounder Ben Stokes tweeted: “Australian Legend. @rajasthanroyals Legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you.
"This man is a LEGEND.”
Rory O'Callaghan