‘Gone too soon’: Bangladesh cricketers saddened by Warne’s untimely demise

Bangladesh cricketers expressed their shock and disbelief over Australia legend Shane Warne's untimely demise on Friday. 

Legendary leg spinner Warne died in Thailand of a suspected heart attack.

Talking to The Daily Star right after the news broke out that Warne had passed away, former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful expressed his grief and disbelief.

"He was a role model for all the leg spinners in the world. He was an outstanding leader and from my experience of playing against him, in one word he was a true legend. Indeed a big loss for world cricket," Ashraful, who played against the leg-spin wizard, said.

Shahriar Nafees, another former Bangladesh batsman who played against the Aussie, echoed similar sentiment.

"We have grown up watching the likes of Shane Warne, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and others. It was a dream playing against Warne and had the opportunity to score runs against him when I registered a Test hundred against Australia in Fatullah. I even got dismissed off his bowling and overall he is the best leg spinner in the world," Nafees told The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, many current and former cricketers took to social media to express their grief.

"Absolutely shocked to hear the news that Shane Warne is no more. RIP legend. Gone too soon," wrote Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim on his official Facebook page. 

Premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, meanwhile, extended his condolences to Warne's family. 

"Extremely sad to hear that one of Cricket's great, Shane Warne, has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. His legend will remain alive with all of us till cricket remains in our hearts," wrote Shakib on his Facebook page.

"A legend departs. Shane Warne, one of the greatest bowlers to have played the game," Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal wrote. 

"Heartbreaking news for every cricket lovers. You will be missed Legend. Rest in peace," is how Bangladesh opener Liton Das mourned the Australian's death.   

Warne's death comes hours after another former Australian cricket great, wicket-keeper Rod Marsh died on Friday at the age of 74.