Cummins: We idolised him and fell in love with the game because of him

“Shane was a once-in-a-century cricketer and his achievements will stand for all time, but apart from the wickets he took and the games he helped Australia win, what he did was draw so many people to the sport.

“So many of us in the playing group grew up idolising him and fell in love with this great sport as a result, while many of our support staff either played with him or against him.

“It has been a terrible couple of days for Australian cricket with the passing of Rod Marsh and now Shane.”

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON

“He was very kind and he was such a character that was, I think, what Australians loved about him as well. I mean, he knew he wasn’t perfect. “His life was full of great achievements, but also regrets, and he carried them the same way with an honesty and a humility about it. “I think people could see a lot of themselves in Shane in that way... but his dedication and professionalism and talent and, you know, as a cricketer that was just unrivalled, he was extraordinary.”

PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER AND FORMER CRICKETER IMRAN KHAN

“Saddened to learn of the sudden passing of cricketer Shane Warne, a bowling genius who took the art of leg spin to new heights. He will be missed across the cricketing world.” AUSTRALIA GREAT RICKY PONTING

“Hard to put this into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the academy. He gave me my nickname. We were team-mates for more than a decade, riding all the highs and lows together.

“Through it all he was someone you could always count on, someone who loved his family. Someone who would be there for you when you needed him and always put his mates first. The greatest bowler I ever played with or against.”

AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT SHANE WATSON

“The cricket world has lost a great, a generation has lost a hero and many of us have lost a mate and confidant whose friendship and kindness will be with us forever. We will all miss him so much.”

EX-AUSTRALIA BOWLER GLENN MCGRATH

“Just absolutely devastated today. Warnie was larger than life. I thought nothing could ever happen to him. He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20. He was the ultimate competitor.

“He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around and bring us to victory, which he did so many times. I think he lived his life the same way. There seemed to be never a dull moment.” RAJASTHAN ROYALS, THE IPL TEAM WARNE LED TO THE 2008 TITLE

“Shane Warne. The name stands for magic. We’re completely heartbroken, as are millions of cricket fans all around the world. Warnie, you’re forever going to be our captain, leader, Royal. Rest in peace, legend.” “Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on-field duels & off-field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. “Gone too young!”

WEST INDIES GREAT BRIAN LARA

“I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the greatest sportsmen of all time!”