The legendary cricketer and former England player Michael Vaughan shared a deep friendship off the field, and so, Vaughan paid a heartfelt and lengthy tribute to former Australia spin legend Shane Warne, who died suddenly on March 4.
Fox Sports broke the news of his passing, sharing the statement from his management. Warne was 52 and at the time of his passing was in Thailand, according to his management. “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course,” the statement read.
In 145 Tests, Warne collected 708 wickets, including a hat-trick, following his debut for Australia in 1992. During his career, he has also taken 293 wickets in 194 ODIs for Australia, featuring in the 1999 World Cup-winning Australian team, as he received Player of the Match awards in both semifinals and finals.
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Michael Vaughan pays Emotional Tribute to Shane Warne
In addition to being victims of Shane Warne’s magic on the field, Michael Vaughan shared a close friendship off the field with him. The two even spent Christmas together. The fans enjoyed their commentary together and their social media banter. His remembrances of Warne were written in a lengthy post on his Instagram account where he also expressed condolences to Warne’s mother, father, and children Brook, Summer, and Jackson.
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Michael Vaughan wrote: “I can’t tell you how hard it is to get this down in words .. it’s just doesn’t feel real to be talking about someone who once was an enemy on the pitch to one who became a great friend off it .. Shane was the greatest ever cricketer but more than that his character lit up every dressing room , comm box , bar , golf club & friendship group .. his energy & positivity was beyond anyone I have ever known .. he was loyal beyond loyal .. at a time I needed support he was the first to pick up the phone & over advice /help & the most utmost support .. I will never ever forget the warmth he & his family gave me this winter when I was down under for Xmas alone .. To say I spent Warneys last Xmas with him & his family is so sad but one I will cherish .. all of us eating Turkey ,beef ,the usual Xmas trimmings & the King to stick to his Lasagne sandwich’s with bread rolls plastered with butter ..
That’s Warney … the superstar .. the greatest .. friends to world superstars .. everyone wanted to be around him but ultimately he was just a normal guy who could do incredible things .. Leg spin is the hardest skill in our game & he mastered it .. he became a great poker player as he loved gambling but it was more the competition and trying to put the psych into his opponents thst he loved … just like when he bowled .. my thoughts are with his mum Bridgette & dad Keith plus his 3 kids that I know he is immensely proud of .. Brooke , Summer & Jackson .. We are all thinking of you .. i am absolutely gutted to have a lost a great friend .. one thing is for sure Heaven will be a lively place now the King has arrived .. Love ya Shane x”
