Shane Warne has been remembered as the “greatest cricketer to have ever played the game” following his death aged 52.

The record-breaking Australian bowler could not be revived after being found unresponsive in his Thailand villa, after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Kent County Cricket Club head coach Matt Walker tweeted: "Absolutely floored by the news of Shane Warne’s death.

"The greatest cricketer to have ever played the game.

"Such a incredible competitor but always a wonderful man to spend time with.

"He will be enormously missed!"

A tweet by Kent CCC simply said: "One of the cricketers that defined an era. Rest in peace, Shane Warne."

Warne made his test debut in 1992 and was in the Australian team that toured England the following year, playing in a three-day warm-up match at Canterbury.

He patiently sat in front of the pavilion at the St Lawrence ground, signing autographs for the long queue of fans.

In 2005, despite being known for his spin bowling, Warne proved he was more than handy with the bat, smashing his first century in first-class cricket at Canterbury, playing for Hampshire against Kent in the County Championship.

He went on to take more than 1,000 wickets in tests and one-day internationals.

Warne ended his illustrious 15-year international career in 2007.

Members of Kent's cricket community have been among those to pay tribute to the icon.

Andy Dampier, former captain of Bearsted Cricket Club, said: "He is probably the most recognisable face in the history of cricket.

"There will be no doubt that people will be talking about Shane Warne in 100 years’ time."

Scott Charlton, co-owner of Lashings, said: "When we heard the news it stopped me in my tracks.

"Shane Warne was a true legend of the game but beyond the game there will be a number of people today realising it was because of Shane Warne that got them into cricket.

"It’s a great loss to the game and a great loss to anyone who knew him personally.

"As I remember first time anybody saw him was that first ball at Lords where [Mike] Gatting was and is still looking for it.

"My thoughts are with his family. My heart goes out to them."

The Victoria-born spinner was engaged to actress Elizabeth Hurley from September 2011 until they split in December 2013.

In 2016, Warne took part in the Australian version of the TV programme I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

During his six-week stay in the jungle, he was bitten on the head by an anaconda during a Tucker Trial which required him to stick his head into tanks fills with African clawed frogs, scorpions, cockroaches, rats and snakes.

During his stay in the South African bush, Warne received criticism after being openly critical of Steve Waugh, who was his captain while playing for Australia.

He also received a backlash for his outspoken views on the theory of evolution, suggesting humans “started from aliens” on the TV show.

As the England Cricket team prepare for a three-Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean, the players and umpires stood for a minute’s silence today in honour of Warne.