Bangkok: Thailand police has ruled out any ‘foul play’ in the shocking and untimely death of Shane Warne. The legendary leg-spinner died of a suspected heart attack in the Thai island of Koh Samui.
The 52-year-old Warne was unresponsive when friends he was holidaying with went to call him on Friday afternoon.
Attempts to resuscitate him were in vain after which Warne was taken to Thai International Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“No foul play was suspected at the scene based on our investigation,” AFP quoted Thai police as saying.
Australians, waking up to the totally unexpected news, turned up in huge numbers to pay tribute at his statue outside Melbourne Cricket Ground. Among heaps of flowers were a can of beer, a packet of cigarettes and a meat pie – Warne’s favourites.
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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Warne as “one of our nation’s greatest characters” and announced a full state funeral for the charismatic cricketer who was arguably the greatest leg-spinner of all time.
“There was no one 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 and a zest for life. There was something magical that he brought to our summers. The bleached blonde hair, the almost casual way he moved to send down delivery, and his engagement with the crowd. He was one of a kind,” Morrison said in a statement.
“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. Our love and condolences go to Shane’s family and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson, and Summer,” Morrison further added.
The Indian and Sri Lankan players observed a minute’s silence ahead of the second day’s play in the ongoing Mohali Test.
