Botham and Lineker lead emotional tributes to Shane Warne after shock death of ‘greatest spin bowler of all time’
TRIBUTES have poured in for cricket legend Shane Warne after he passed away at the age of 52.
The Australian bowler is arguably the greatest spinner of all time and his death has hit many people hard.
Former players and pundits have paid tribute to Warne, applauding his contribution to cricket and his wonderful personality.
Gary Lineker said: "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."
Ex-England cricket captain Michael Vaughan said: "💔Love ya King."
Kevin Pietersen was very emotional, adding: "F***!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭��😭😭😭😭😭😭
🔵 Follow our Shane Warne blog for live updates on his death
"RIP KING 😭😭😭😭😭"
Another cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, said: "Shocked, stunned & miserable…
"One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more.
"Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world."
West Indies great Viv Richards announced his shock at the news: "Unbelievable. I am shocked to the core. This can't be true…
"Rest In Peace Shane Warne. There are no words to describe what I feel right now. A huge loss for cricket."
Stephen Fry shared his thoughts: "Heartbroken to wake to news of the death of Shane Warne. Heart was what he was all about; a huge heart and, of course, matchlessly dazzling skill with a cricket ball.
"He single-handedly (wristedly) put the art of spin back where it belonged - at the top of cricket. A true great.";
SunSport columnist Piers Morgan wrote: "Absolutely devastated to hear that Shane Warne has died from a heart attack aged just 52.
";He was a genius cricketer, a supreme entertainer, a fantastic bloke and a great loyal friend for many years. Just gutting news.
"RIP Warnie, I loved every minute in your company."
Gary Neville is also devastated, remarking: "Oh no ! News that shakes you and stops you right in your track. RIP Shane Warne ❤️❤️"
England Cricket tweeted: "One of the greatest of all-time. A legend. A genius. You changed Cricket. RIP Shane Warne ❤️"
Former England cricket legend Ian Botham wrote: "I've lost a great friend on and off the playing field.
“One of the best, my thoughts are with Jackson Summer & Brooke….RIP Warnster."
Current Australia batsman David Warner wrote on Instagram: "Two legends of our game have left us too soon.
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"I'm lost for words, and this is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family.
"I just can not believe it. #rip, you will both be missed."