News broke in the early hours of Saturday morning that the 52-year-old was found unresponsive in his villa in Koh Samui, Thailand.

A statement from Warne's management said the father-of-three could not be revived despite the efforts of medics.

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Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins, in the middle of a Test match in Pakistan, tweeted:

"Hard to fathom. We all idolised Warnie growing up for his showmanship, will to win from any position and his incredible skill. Players all over the world owe him so much for what he has brought to cricket. He had a huge affect on all he met. He transcended cricket."

Former New Zealand star Chris Cairns, himself facing significant health battles, said he was in shock at the news.

"He was the ultimate competitor on the field, but off it a man that was so generous with his time. We had so many great battles and it was a privilege to play in the same era as this champion."

Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman also tweeted his disbelief: "Like you all I am in shock to wake to the news that Shane Warne had passed away. I'm grateful to have known him, and to have witnessed his once in a generation talent. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and close friends at this incredibly difficult time. Rest well Shane."

And then there's the stories from behind the scenes.

Nick McCallum, a reporter for 7 News, shared his favourite Shane Warne moment: ... in 1994 when he joined Nike's stable of stars we covered him meeting Michael Jordan ..who was told Warnie was famous for his "flipper". Jordan walked up to him and said "tell me about the dolphin." The look on Warnie's face!"

And the man dismissed by that ball, England batter Mike Gatting told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I have a picture on my wall of that ball, and me missing it and it hitting the stumps. I'm part of history and I'm involved with a special person who enhanced cricket.

"We talked about it and he said he wanted to get it down the other end and spin it, but he didn't know how far it would. Neither did I.

"He was never short of confidence and that wicket launched him on the ladder to greatness. It was an amazing ball.

"The great thing about him was his love of the game and just his will to win."