On This Day in 2022: Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne passed away

March 4 is a sad day in cricket history, as it was on this day in 2022 that the legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne tragically passed away. The world was shocked after hearing the news that Warne, one of the greatest bowlers in the sport's history, suffered a heart attack while vacationing in Thailand, passing away at 52.

Warne revolutionised the art of leg-spin bowling and brought an aggressive, flamboyant style to the game. Making his Test debut against India in 1992 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the leg spinner faced initial struggles. However, he soon refined his wrist action and went on to impress the world with his art.

One of his most memorable moments came during the 1993 Ashes in England, where he bowled the iconic "Ball of the Century" to dismiss Mike Gatting. Over the years, Warne continued to bamboozle some of the greatest batters in the world with his leg-breaks, googlies, and flippers.

He also played a crucial role in Australia's 1999 World Cup victory, taking 20 wickets in the tournament, including a match-winning four-wicket haul in the final against Pakistan. In Test cricket, he became the second bowler in history to reach the 700-wicket milestone, finishing his career with 708 Test scalps and 293 ODI wickets.

Warne is the highest wicket-taker in the history of the Ashes, picking 195 wickets in 36 Tests against England. His 34-wicket haul in the 1993 Ashes helped Australia retain the urn. Post-retirement, Warne turned to a successful broadcasting career and remained involved in the game. He was last seen in the commentary box during the 2021-22 Ashes series.

On March 4, 2022, just hours after paying tribute to fellow Australian great Rod Marsh, Warne suffered a fatal heart attack in his Thailand villa. Initial concerns of foul play were dismissed after an autopsy confirmed that he had succumbed to natural causes linked to atherosclerosis. It took six days for Warne’s body to be back in Australia, where he was honored with a state funeral on March 20 at Moorabbin Oval.