Tributes have flooded in for Shane Warne following the shock news the leg spin king had died from a suspected heart attack, aged 52.

It came about 12 hours after Warne posted a tribute of his own to another legend of the sport Rod Marsh, in what was to be his final tweet.

Australia’s greatest ever wicket-taker was found unresponsive in his Thailand villa.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived, Warne’s management said in a statement.

Regarded as one of the most gifted players to ever play the sport, Warne’s death sent shockwaves around the world.

From former teammates and opponents to Warne’s commentary colleagues and current superstars of the game, everybody was touched in some way by the lovable character affectionately known as “Warnie”.

Batter Steve Smith, currently in Pakistan with the national team, posted it was “hard to fathom that we’ve lost two Australian legends within 24 hours”, after cricket great Rod Marsh died, aged 74, also of a heart attack.

Opening batter David Warner tweeted: “Two legends of our game have left us too soon.”

“I’m lost for words, and this is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family. I just can not believe it. RIP, you will both be missed.”

Warne’s long-time Australian teammate Adam Gilchrist turned TV commentary sidekick was lost for words processing the tragic news, posting several heartbreak emojis before sharing a heartfelt tribute.

“Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work. Have often felt a tad selfish, that Heals (Ian Healy) and I pretty much exclusively are the only ones who had that thrill and pleasure at Test level. Rip Warnie.💔😢,” he wrote.

But the Australians were not alone, with further messages from abroad for the man who changed spin bowling for ever and delivered cricket’s ball of the century.

“Absolutely devastated to hear that ⁦Shane Warne has died from a heart attack aged just 52,” broadcaster and cricket fan Piers Morgan tweeted.

“He was a genius cricketer, a supreme entertainer, a fantastic bloke and a great loyal friend for many years.

“Just gutting news. RIP Warnie, I loved every minute in your company.”

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer said: “My mind just cannot accept that Shane Warne is no more. Gone too soon.. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.. RIP Warnie.”

Kevin Pietersen, a friend of Warne and opposition player during the famous 2005 and 2006-07 Ashes series posted “F***!” and a series of sobbing face emojis.

Two-time Australian World Cup-winning spinner Brad Hogg said Warne “lived life to the fullest”.

“Just been stung by a wrong’un coz The King has put the flipper through the pearly gates too early. He lived life to the fullest, and left enough sunshine for me to stand in his shadow. #GreatestEverWarnie Stumped, Hoggy,” he tweeted.

Former England batter Ian Bell, who Warne dismissed several times at international level, described him as the greatest player he ever came up against.

“There are no words. A hero growing up and the greatest player I ever played against. I can’t believe it. My thoughts are with his loved ones,” Bell tweeted.

Adelaide Strikers and former Australian limited-overs tweaker Fawad Ahmed, who is currently over in Pakistan with the Australian Test team, said Warne was the reason he started playing cricket and taking up leg-spin.

“King Shane Warne was the only reason I started playing Cricket and bowling leg-spin, you were the only reason I fell in love with this beautiful game, was just watching your bowling last night on YouTube and now you left us way too early,” Ahmed wrote.

“Thoughts with Warne Family.”

Australia’s leading wicket-taker of all-time, Warne claimed 708 scalps for Australia in 145 Tests.

His career also coincided with Australia’s golden era, debuting in 1992 and retiring after the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in 2006-07.

The leg spinner remains the second leading wicket-taker in Test history, behind only Muttiah Muralitharan.