Shane Warne: The beach bum who was a cricketing supernatural
It seems surreal. Shane Keith Warne, one of the greatest cricketers to have played the game, is no longer with us. Planet Sport's Jonathan Doidge reflects on his life and career.
"Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.
"The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."
The 'Gatting Ball'
You couldn't write with sufficient brevity to cram in one book what he brought to the game. Aussies loved him. Ashes-deprived English supporters loved to hate him but deep down they loved him too.
Wicket taker... record breaker!
In 2005, Warne took a record 96 wickets in a calendar year, during which time he also became the first bowler to take 600 Test wickets. That feat came amid a losing Ashes series but the Aussie was still so good that he helped to take England all the way before they could lift the famous urn.
He even came up with a similar delivery to the ‘Gatting Ball’ 12-years earlier, this time bowling the left-handed England opener Andrew Strauss out around his legs.
Shane Warne against England ⬇️🏏
— James (@Surreycricfan) May 8, 2020
1792.5 overs 🏏
488 Maidens 🏏
195 wickets 🏏
Runs conceded 4535 🏏
11 5 wicket hauls 🏏
Best 8/71 average 23.26 🏏
Shane Warne in Ashes Test Matches was absolutely world class! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/n80DQht5o0