Adam Gilchrist discusses a conversation he had with Shane Warne just hours before his death. Warne died of a heart attack on March 4 at his villa in Thailand.
Tributes and condolence messages have been pouring in from all over the world as Australian great Shane Warne passed away. Warne, widely regarded as the best leg-spinner of all time, died of a heart attack on March 4 at his Thai villa. Warne’s untimely death shocked the cricket world, as he had previously made headlines for his controversial statements or coaching stints.
In fact, he was seen taking a walk in his villa just hours before he died. As the cricket world mourns Warne’s untimely death, former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has revealed that he received a text from Warne about eight hours before his untimely death. The southpaw had played a lot of cricket with Warne and had formed a strong friendship with the legendary leg-spinner.
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Adam Gilchrist reflects on his time working with Shane Warne.
“I spoke with Shane about a week ago. He sent me a very nice text message. I’m guessing this was eight hours before he died. He was simply sending me a message. “He was one of the few guys who called me church on a regular basis,” Gilchrist told ABC News.
“It’s a nickname only those in the inner circle knew about – about being confused by a young English fan and they called me ‘Eric Gilchurch’. He always called me ‘Churchy’ and it always felt like a term of endearment from a friend,” he added.
Notably, just hours before Warne’s death, another Australian legend, Rod Marsh, passed away. Gilchrist grew up idolizing Marsh, who was also a wicketkeeper. The 50-year-old had paid a touching tribute to Marsh, leaving Warne speechless.
“He (Warne) texted me and said, ‘Church, wonderful tribute to Rod Marsh.'” I was very honored to be asked to do a voice over for it. We weren’t even close to coming to terms with the death of my childhood hero, Rod Marsh, and another cricketing legend. Warnie just messaged me and said, “Well done, sir.” So that was the last point of contact. “It’s a text message I’ll never delete,” Gilchrist admitted.