Shane Warne: life and death of Australian Cricket Legend, cause of death and when is his State Memorial

The State Memorial of Shane Warne - who’s bowling exploits saw many victories over England - will take place tomorrow, Wednesday 30
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Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne has died at the age of 52.

The leg-spinner, widely regarded as the greatest of all-time, was found unresponsive at his villa in Thailand.

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The Cricket legend will have a State Memorial service which takes place on Wednesday 30 March 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket ground.

The Australian’s stellar international career spanned 15 years and saw him take 708 Test wickets. That total remains the highest in his country’s history, and the second-most of all time behind only Sri Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan.

News of Warne’s death comes shortly after the passing of fellow Australian cricketing icon Rod Marsh, who passed away at the age of 74 earlier in the day.

Warne’s cause of death

Warne passed away after suffering a heart attack. A later autopsy revealed that the heart attack was a result of natural causes.

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According to a statement from his management team, the 52-year-old was found unresponsive at his villa in Thailand on Friday, and despite the best efforts of medical staff, was unable to be revived.

“It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand today, Friday 4 March,” a statement from his management company MPC Entertainment read.

“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.”

Was Warne in a relationship with Liz Hurley?

Warne and Liz Hurley were together for three years in total and got engaged in 2011 before going their separate ways in 2013.

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Warne said of Hurley after their cancelled wedding: "[I'm] quite sad it's over because I still care about her deeply and she's a wonderful person.

"I didn't introduce her to my children until it was real and I believed it had a future – it wasn't just a bit of fun."

Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne in 2013.Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne in 2013.
Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne in 2013.

There had been rumours the pair had got back together last year but Warne described the stories as 'fabricated'.

He explained: “For 30 years my children & I have had to put up with your lies & fabricated stories – well not anymore.

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“You should not be allowed to just make things up. You are going to apologise to the Aust public for your continual lies & my family as this is an absolute disgrace – AGAIN!”

What have people said in tribute to Warne?

In the immediate aftermath of the tragic news of Warne’s death, a number of high-profile figures from the world of cricket took to social media to pay their respects.

England icon Ben Stokes wrote: “Australian legend. Rajasthan Royals legend. Was an honour to know you and work with you. This man is a LEGEND”

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Warne was often a major hindrance his English counterparts, but England Cricket were quick to pay their tribute to one of their most iconic opponents. They wrote: “One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne”

West Indies star Carlos Brathwaite added: “Sometimes it’s difficult to remember people who you idolize are human . It’s impossible to think they’ll leave us. Such a young age with so much more to give to our game. This is a big loss to the cricketing world. RIP Shane Warne”

Tributes for Warne have come in from well-known figures outside of cricket too.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was among those to pay his respects, writing: “Terribly saddened and shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne has died. The greatest spin bowler of all time. Can’t quite believe it. RIP Shane”

Who will attend State Memorial?

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Former England captain, Nasser Hussein, has said he is honoured to have been asked to go and speak at the Memorial: “For me, he’s absolutely the best cricketer I’ve ever seen and a great friend over the past decade.”

West Indies legend Brian Lara and Pakistani icon Wasim Akram will also be in attendance to honour one of their sports’ greats.

Musicians Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin will all be sending video contributions for the occasion. The event will be available to follow from 8am BST on Sky Spor

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