Shane Warne was ‘buzzing and full of life’ hours before he died, says cricket legend’s pal as he reveals his final hours
CRICKET legend Shane Warne was “buzzing with excitement” before he died at the start of a Thailand break — and ate a Vegemite sandwich just hours earlier.
His tailor said Warne, 52, was “full of energy” when he arrived for a five-day beach villa holiday following a stint commentating on cricket in Australia.
Parsuram Panday, 44, said the leg-spin bowling hero, who had called in for a suit fitting at midday last Friday, was relishing the prospect of relaxing on the island of Koh Samui.
Yet he was found collapsed in his room at 5pm by his business manager, Andrew Neophitou, and at 7pm was declared dead from a suspected heart attack.
A post mortem was being carried out last night.
A state funeral is planned in Australia for the cricketing great.
Parsuram said: “I love cricket and Shane Warne was a hero of mine. It was a great privilege to make his suits.
“He was due to collect his clothes on Saturday or Sunday so when I saw the news that he had died, I was shocked. I was devastated.
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“I couldn’t believe that I was speaking with him just a few hours earlier.
“When he came into the shop he was so happy, strong and full of life and energy.
“He said, ‘Long time no see, Parsuram’ and laughed.
He said, ‘It’s great to see you’ and he patted me on the back.
Parsuram, who has suggested auctioning Warne’s new suit for charity, added: “He was buzzing with excitement.
“He said he was ready for a break because it had been a busy summer in Australia. He was looking forward to going out to the bars.”
After leaving Parsuram’s shop, smoker Warne — who took 708 wickets in 145 Tests over 15 years — lunched on favourite Oz spread Vegemite on toast with a friend who lives on the island.
Tom Hall wrote: “An Australian through and through, this was to turn out to be his last meal.”
Warne left for a massage between 2pm and 3pm before settling down to watch Australia take on Pakistan on the first day of a Test.
Yesterday, his body — flanked by the Australian ambassador and police — was transported by ferry on a 90-minute trip to southern city Surat for the post mortem to pinpoint the cause of death.
Dad-of-three Warne’s family hope he will be quickly returned.
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They have accepted the offer of a state funeral with Melbourne Cricket Ground, Warne’s home turf, suggested as the “most fitting” venue.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews said: “It will be an opportunity for Victorians to pay tribute to his contribution to his sport, to our state and the country.”
