Newspapers around the world have paid tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne after his shocking death, describing him as the “best there ever was” and an “all-round top bloke”.
Warne died suddenly in a Thai villa where he was holidaying with friends. He was just 52 years old.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, friends and international newspapers.
The Daily Star in the United Kingdom had an image of Warne with the headline: “The Greatest”.
“Cricketing legend and all-round top bloke dies at 52,” the extended headline read.
The Guardian also paid tribute to Warne on the front of its sport page.
“Sport mourns one of the greatest cricketers of all time,” the newspaper article read.
The Star described Warne as the “best there ever was” and said his shocking death had stunned the sporting world.
Daily Express also dubbed Warne “the greatest”.
“Cricket world stunned at the sudden death of Australian spin master, aged 52,” the headline read.
Warnxjmtzywe also made the front page of the Yorkshire Post and The Times.
Warne had been staying at a luxury island villa with a games room, infinity pool and stunning views of Thailand.
He was found unconscious at the Samujana Villas resort on the island of Koh Samui in the early hours of Saturday morning.
It is believed Warne had been on a boys trip with four friends.
The cricket world was already mourning the loss of superstar Rod Marsh and Warne had paid tribute to him on social media.
“Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game, and an inspiration to so many young boys and girls,” Warne wrote.
“Rod cared deeply about cricket and gave so much, especially to Australia and England players.
“Sending lots and lots of love to Ros and the family. RIP mate.”
Warne died hours later.
The Mirror’s sport section led with an image of Warne tipping his hat.
The headline read: “You bowled us over, Warnie.”
“The world of sport is mourning for a one-of-a-kind genius.”
The Daily Telegraph described Warne as “the bowler of the century”.
Warne leaves behind three children — Brooke, Jackson, and Summer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has offered the family a state funeral.
“This will be done in consultation with the Warne family, Cricket Australia and the Victorian government to ensure we honour Shane’s passing and memory,” Mr Morrison said.
“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.
“His achievements were the product of his talent, his discipline and passion for the game he loved.
“But Shane was more than this to Australians. Shane 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.
“There was something magical that he brought to our summers. The bleached blonde hair, the almost casual way he moved to send down a delivery, and his engagement with the crowd. He was one of a kind.
“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.
“Shane was the ‘King of Spin’ because there was none like him. The ‘ball of the century’ will be talked about forever.”
