Reactions: 'We all idolised Warnie growing up'
A hero, teammate and friend to so many in his homeland, Warne leaves behind a legacy that will surely stand the test of time. Current Australian Test captain Pat Cummins was one of many from the nation to detail his sadness at the news.
Hard to fathom. We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill. Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge affect on all he met. He transcended cricket.
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) March 4, 2022
RIP King pic.twitter.com/614NRwq4wm
Wicket-keeping great Adam Gilchrist spent much of his career behind the stumps to Warne, and the privilege was not lost on the gloveman, feeling a "tad selfish" that for having such an exclusive perspective.
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.💔😢
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 4, 2022
A host of former teammates shared their condolences.
Hard to put this into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the Academy. He gave me my nickname.
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) March 5, 2022
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... pic.twitter.com/KIvo7s9Ogp
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) March 4, 2022
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I am numb!!! My hero, my mentor, my great friend, Shane Warne is no longer with us. Warnie, the impact you had on this great game and everyone around it is immeasurable. Thank you for being so bloody good to me. I am going to miss you so much. Rest In Peace SK 💔💔
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) March 4, 2022
This just unfathomable to lose another great of our cricket family. Warnie was the ultimate entertainer on and off the field, never a dull moment who lived life to the fullest.Deepest condolences to his loved ones.
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) March 4, 2022
RIP mate.
Can’t believe it 💔
— @BrettLee_58 (@BrettLee_58) March 4, 2022
The greatest bowler to play the game ever ! The RockStar of cricket ! Gone too soon.
RIP mate 😢 pic.twitter.com/SNAGISCmIz
Warnie, it was a true honour to have played with you and I will always cherish the memories that we shared in our cricketing adventures.
— Michael Bevan (@mbevan12) March 4, 2022
My deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
RIP Warnie you be greatly missed pic.twitter.com/pxFEv3aJR9
Leg-spinner Alana King, currently in New Zealand as a member of Australia's ICC Women's Cricket World Cup squad, drew inspiration from Warne when picking up the game as a youngster.
Cannot fathom the news I’ve woken up to. An idol & the biggest inspiration to me. Everyone wanted to be like Warnie and I was sure one of them. A character who revolutionised the art of spin bowling & brought plenty of flare to the game. You’ll be missed King 👑 #RIPShaneWarne
— Alana King (@alanaking95) March 4, 2022
Having claimed 1,001 wickets across a glittering international career, Warne formed many rivalries against the world's elite talent. As fierce battles on the pitch turned into a close friendship beyond the boundary, batting royalty in the form of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Sir Vivian Richards paid tribute.
Shocked, stunned & miserable…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 4, 2022
Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you.
Gone too young! pic.twitter.com/219zIomwjB
💔 And speechless at the moment. I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!!
— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) March 4, 2022
We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!!
My condolences goes out to his family.
RIP Warnie!! You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/sQOrL9dIyM
Unbelievable. I am shocked to the core. This can't be true...
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) March 4, 2022
Rest In Peace, @ShaneWarne. There are no words to describe what I feel right now. A huge loss for cricket. pic.twitter.com/uZdEdNz0x9
And even a younger generation of international stars shared the sadness.
Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball. pic.twitter.com/YtOkiBM53q
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 4, 2022
So sad to see the news about @ShaneWarne . He was one of my idols as a young leg spinner . One of the game's greatest ever. Cricket will miss him 🐐
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) March 4, 2022
Gutted to hear the new of @ShaneWarne. An absolutely legend both on and off the field. It was a privilege to have shared a changing room with one of my cricket idols. #RIPKing
— Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) March 4, 2022
As many expressed their shock and sadness at the news, others used this opportunity to shine a light on how Warne inspired a generation through his supreme ability and infectious personality.
Heartbroken about @ShaneWarne’s news. Rest in peace legend. I used to keep watching him take wickets on TV. So when I started proper cricket, I decided to become a legspinner. Have no words to express my sorrow. Prayers for the departed and family. pic.twitter.com/NIk7KDW85d
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) March 4, 2022
Extremely sad to hear about the passing away of the legendary cricketer @ShaneWarne @CricketAus. I consider him my idol & I chose to be a spinner only because of him. My heartfelt condolences to his family. #OmShanti #RIP #ShaneWarne #legend pic.twitter.com/ONagPvFyS8
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) March 4, 2022
Can’t believe it! Extremely sad on Shane Warne’s departure. Was a true legend of the game and an inspiration to many cricketers around the globe.
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) March 4, 2022
RIP 🙏🙏😢💔💔 pic.twitter.com/xnPXYpMNuW
And it wasn't just the cricketing world who were in shock, with politicians, actors and other sporting stars sharing their thoughts.
S.K. Warne.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 4, 2022
Woke this morning to the devastating news. Having a hard time accepting it.
Genius player.
Grand company.
Loyal friend.
Totally shocked and saddened to hear about Shane Warne - a cricketing genius and one of the nicest guys you could meet, who also did a lot to help disadvantaged kids into sport. pic.twitter.com/EO3K6Ipwh6
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 4, 2022
I’m so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever. pic.twitter.com/ZW76EbS6GB
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) March 4, 2022
Cricket has lost an icon of the modern game, whose energy and tangible love of the game will be sorely missed.
ICC Hall of Fame: Shane Warne | 'Greatest spin bowler ever'
