Cricketers past and present from Sachin Tendulkar to Viv Richards and Joe Root paid shocked tribute to Australian spin maestro Shane Warne who died of a suspected heart attack at 52.
Indian legend Tendulkar, who had many memorable battles with Warne during their playing days, said he was “stunned & miserable” after news of his sudden passing in Thailand on Friday.
“There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on-field duels & off field banter,” Tendulkar tweeted.
“You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!”
Warne, one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, often referred to Richards as the best batsman he had seen and the West Indian great said he was “shocked to the core”.
“There are no words to describe what I feel right now,” he said.
Richards’ countryman Brian Lara, who also crossed swords with Warne in his prime, was equally speechless.
“I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the Greatest Sportsmen of all time!!” Lara tweeted, while English great Ian Botham said he too had lost a long-time mate.
“I’ve lost a great friend on and off the playing field,” he said. “One of the best.”
