Hampshire Cricket pay fond tribute to former captain Shane Warne, who has died aged 52

TRIBUTES have been paid to Shane Warne by Hampshire Cricket, where the legendary bowler finished his first-class cricket career.
Chris Broom
By Chris Broom
Published 4th Mar 2022, 18:55 GMT
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It was announced earlier today that Warne had died aged 52 of a suspected heart attack at his villa in Thailand.

The larger-than-life Australian was captain of Hampshire for three seasons from 2005-2007.

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In his international career, he became the first player to have taken 700 Test wickets, and he was was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013.

Shane Warne in action for Hampshire during the semi-final of the Friends Provident Trophy in 2006. Picture by Steve Reid. (072512-45)Shane Warne in action for Hampshire during the semi-final of the Friends Provident Trophy in 2006. Picture by Steve Reid. (072512-45)
Shane Warne in action for Hampshire during the semi-final of the Friends Provident Trophy in 2006. Picture by Steve Reid. (072512-45)

Chairman of Hampshire Cricket Rod Bransgrove said: ‘It is impossible to exaggerate the impact Shane Warne had on this Club during his time with us between 2000 and 2007. Players, members, management and staff are all united in their grief at the shocking news of his untimely passing.

‘Warney had established many enduring friendships here at Hampshire Cricket and I feel privileged to regard myself as one of these.

‘No doubt, like me, many will be struggling to process the tragic news and come to terms with his loss.

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‘For me, Shane Warne stands alone as the greatest spin bowler of all time. He was also an inspirational leader and brilliant tactician.

‘He believed that any match could be won from any position and was good enough to fulfil this prophecy himself on many occasions. What’s more, as Hampshire Captain, he convinced the players to believe in his philosophy and established Hampshire Cricket as a major force in all forms of professional cricket.

‘Off the field, he was competitive, fun, naughty and lovable in equal measure.

‘He used to say: “Just because I occasionally do stupid things, it doesn’t mean I’m stupid,” and he couldn’t have shown greater self-awareness.

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‘Shane Warne has made an indelible impact on the World in his tragically short time here, transcending his sport and becoming an international icon.

‘He will be hugely missed by all those who knew him and my thoughts right now are with Keith, Bridgette, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.’

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