Cricketers from across the world shared their tributes for Shane Warne as they took the field wearing black armbands on March 5, a day after the spin legend died of suspected heart attack.
One of the all-time greatest, Shane Warne was 52 when he passed away at Koh Samui in Thailand on March 4.
Before the second day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali on March 5, a minute’s silence was observed for Shane Warne and also Rodney Marsh, who had passed away on March 4 morning.
Paying his tributes before the second day’s play, India captain Rohit Sharma said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news… He (Shane Warne) inspired a generation of cricketers. It’s a huge loss.”
Former India captain Virat Kohli described Warne’s demise as a huge loss. “Life is fickle and unpredictable. I stand here in disbelief and shock,” he said.
The England men’s cricket team too paid their tribute ahead of the final day of their warm-up game against Cricket West Indies President’s XI. The players and umpires stood in the middle for a minute’s silence in honour of Shane Warne.
“We’re shocked in the dressing room. First thoughts go out to his family and his closest friends. Many condolences to all of his loved ones. My experiences of Shane were of someone who absolutely loved the game. He was always a joy to be around and obviously, as a kid growing up he was a massive idol of mine. I wanted to emulate how he would win a game on his own,” said England skipper Joe Root in a video posted by the ECB’s official handle.
