Fox Sports today expressed its sadness at the sudden loss of one of its closest family members and favourite sons of Fox Cricket, Shane Warne.
Warne, who passed in the early hours of Saturday, was one of the greatest players in cricket history with an international career that spanned 15 years. The iconic leg-spinner was the first bowler to reach 700 test wickets and was an inspiring figure who transcended cricket in Australia and internationally, becoming one of the nation’s most-loved figures.
He worked with Fox Sports as an expert commentator since 2018 and had just finished calling The Ashes Series, captivating viewers in Australia and around the world.
In the commentary box, Warne was a devoted, loyal and passionate member of the team who added insight and analysis across all formats of the sport. He was a natural caller and student of the game with a knack for predicting big moments before they would occur.
Fox Sports Executive Director Steve Crawley said: “He was The King, Warnie. He could teach you more about cricket in a half hour commentary stint than any coach could teach you in a lifetime. He was a wonderful mate. A beautiful person. A scallywag. We loved him and he loved us. We will miss Shane every day.”
Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said: “Our nation has lost an icon in Shane Keith Warne. And for us at Foxtel and Kayo, the loss is heavy.
“Warnie was the favourite son of Fox Cricket. One of our family. A once in a lifetime genius of our national game, on and off the field. A larger-than-life personality with charisma to spare. A colleague, a mate.
“Today, the Fox Sports team are grieving at the news of Shane’s passing. Our condolences go out to his family and those closest to him. We have lost a giant. Rest in peace, Warnie.’