The world has lost a legendary sportsman in Shane Warne. The flamboyant leg spinner died yesterday of a suspected heart attack, aged just 52. It was a dark day for Australian cricket yesterday as news of Warne’s untimely death came just hours after his compatriot Rod Marsh, one of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen, had also left this world. In fact, Warne had previously sent his condolences to the Marsh family in a tweet hours before his death. “Warney” was the bowler that South Africans loved to hate. He was everything South Africans admired in a sportsman. Deep inside,…
The world has lost a legendary sportsman in Shane Warne.
The flamboyant leg spinner died yesterday of a suspected heart attack, aged just 52. It was a dark day for Australian cricket yesterday as news of Warne’s untimely death came just hours after his compatriot Rod Marsh, one of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen, had also left this world.
In fact, Warne had previously sent his condolences to the Marsh family in a tweet hours before his death. “Warney” was the bowler that South Africans loved to hate.
He was everything South Africans admired in a sportsman. Deep down, we probably secretly wished he was one of us. Only 800-wicket Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan had taken more Test wickets than Warne’s 708. Warne made bowling leg spin sexy.
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He was an entertainer and if you didn’t think he was a superstar he would remember every chance he got. Nearly every ball he delivered was accompanied by a dash of suspense and drama.
And while he had a lot to say, more often than not he was able to back it up with his skills. Warne had his share of controversy off the field.
It’s something we’ve come to expect from athletes who are no match for the spotlight off the field.
“Bowling Warney.” It’s a rule we’ll never forget.