'Ball of the century' victim Mike Gatting reacts after Shane Warne's untimely demise

Former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne's death on March 4 has sent the cricket world into a shock. Warne died of a heart-attack age of just 52 in Thailand. Cricket fraternity from around the globe has paid their tributes to the legend. India and Sri Lanka players observed a two-minute silence on March 5 before the resumption of their ongoing first Test.

Pakistan and Australia players also observed a two-minute ahead of the resumption of their game in Rawalpindi. Meanwhile, former England cricketer Mike Getting, who was dismissed on the famous 'Ball of the Century' in 1993, has said that he is devastated with the death of Warne.

“Absolutely devastating and I just feel so sad for his family. It is a huge loss to many, many people,” Gatting told Sky Sports News.

"Without a doubt, he is the number one ever. I should think there have been a lot of great cricketers, great spinners and great leg-spinners but Warnie will always be, certainly from my point of view, the number one.

“He had all the things a cricketer needed, a lot of self-confidence, a lot of ability, the discipline, passion and desire. Above all he had time to enjoy it. He had great fun playing cricket and resonated with a lot of youngsters. The inspirational leg-spin he bowled I am sure inspired many, many guys to take up leg-spin bowling.”

Gatting reminisced about the 'Ball of the Century' and explained how he was outfoxed the legendary Warne.

"When it came down I knew it was a leg break but I didn't expect it to spin that much. When we often spoke about it, I am not sure he expected it to spin that much.

“He said he just tried to get it down the other end the best he could. Well, it was a bit too good for me.”