Everyone at the PCA was shocked and saddened to learn that a true icon of the game, Shane Warne, sadly passed away today at the age of 52.
Born Shane Keith Warne in Melbourne, Victoria in 1969, ‘Warney’ made his first-class debut in the Sheffield Shield in February 1991, and went on to win his first Test cap against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground just under a year later.
The leg-spinner went on to enjoy one of the most storied international careers of all time, claiming 708 Test wickets – currently the second highest figure of any player – including 195 against Australia’s greatest rivals England alone. Warne was involved in seven Ashes series wins in total, and can add an ICC Cricket World Cup victory to his extensive list of achievements on the international stage.
On a domestic level, Warne became a PCA member through spending five seasons with Hampshire between 2000-2007, captaining the Ageas Bowl-based club during his final three years on the south coast. He took 276 first-class wickets and scored 2,040 red-ball runs for the club, and was credited with helping Hampshire to become one of the game’s leading counties with his bold and inspiring captaincy.
Following his retirement from all forms of the game in July 2013, Warne went on to become one of the game’s most respected broadcasters, regularly appearing on Sky Sports’ coverage of English cricket until his passing.
Warne held his first coaching role whilst still a player with Rajasthan Royals between 2008-2011, winning the inaugural Indian Premier League title with his side. He went on to lead London Spirit in the first edition of The Hundred, and was due to return for the 2022 competition.
The thoughts of everyone at the PCA are with Shane’s family and friends at this difficult time.
