INTERNATIONAL: Australians say goodbye to the two greatest cricketers in Australian history, one of the greatest wicket-keepers Rodney March, and one of the greatest spinners of all time on and off the field Shane Warne. Both had died of heart attacks, they will be sadly missed.
One of the finest bowlers of all time whose talent and personality transcended cricket, Warne died aged 52 on Friday a day after arriving on the island of Koh Samui for a vacation.
Warne, who ended his spell-binding international career in 2007 with a remarkable 708 test wickets, died from a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand, his family confirmed in a statement.
"Shane was found unresponsive in his Villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," the statement read.
Credited for reviving the art of leg-spin, Warne made his test debut in 1992 against India, and by the time he ended his 15-year international career, the spinner had established himself as one of the all-time greats of the game.
He also had 293 wickets from 194 one-dayers and won the man-of-the-match award when Australia beat Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup final.
Warne's death comes hours after another former Australian cricket great, wicket-keeper Rod Marsh died on Friday at the age of 74.
Warne's last post on Twitter, 12 hours before his death was reported, was a tribute to Marsh.
"Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & inspiration to so many young boys & girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family."
Marsh, who played 96 tests in the 1970s and 1980s, died in Adelaide eight days after suffering a heart attack while on his way to a charity event in Queensland.
Regarded as one of Australia's finest wicketkeepers, Marsh retired in 1984 with a then-world record tally of 355 dismissals from behind the stumps.
Marsh made his test debut against England in November 1970 and scored 3,633 test runs during a career that lasted more than 13 years.
He famously combined with fellow Western Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee to take 95 wickets during the pair's test career together.
Sad to see two legendary cricketers go so close together. They will be missed.
