Former Australia captain Ian Chappell on Saturday described the late Shane Warne as a “generous and honest” champion who never considered himself a superstar despite being one of the game’s all-time greats. Warne, the spin magician who loved his art to the world, died on Friday at the age of 52 of a suspected heart attack in Thailand, leaving the world stunned. “Warne was not only a champion leg-spinner, I found him to be an extremely generous man and an honest man,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.
“He generously gave his time to the children and went beyond what is recommended in talking to them as he autographed the items offered to him.”
Describing an incident, Chappell said, “I once saw him walking into a room full of business people who all knew his name. He wandered to the first person, extended his hand and said, ‘ Hi, I’m Shane.
“…he was Shane. He didn’t see himself as a superstar…”
Chappell said, “Warne was an aggressive cricketer who impressed with his brilliant approach to the game.
“He produced the ball of the 20th century to dismiss England’s Mike Gatting, and myriad other outstanding deliveries that brought him over 700 Test wickets.”
Chappell compared him with Dennis Lillee, saying that Warne’s aura was such that his fans expected a wicket from him every time he picked up the ball.
“Like Dennis Lillee before him, Warne had fans by the side of their seats because he thought every time he had the ball, something would happen.”
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Warne passed away less than 24 hours after another Australian legend, Rod Marsh, died of a heart attack.
Chappell wrote, “Marsh loved Lillee and others who played aggressive cricket. That’s why this week has been so tough. Losing Rod Marsh is bad but Shane Warne’s passing is too much.”
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