by Anura Guruge
on March 4, 2022
I, living in the U.S. by then, did not have TV access to cricket during most of Shane’s heyday in International cricket. But, I sure followed his amazing exploits in print and on the radio (viz., BBC shortwave). Over the last few years I would hear him commenting frequently for TV coverage. I know I heard him quite recently, within the last two weeks. Yes, I know that during his playing career he was NOT a great fan of Sri Lankan cricketers. He was ultra competitive & a Sri Lankan was going to strip him of his proud, most Test wickets record.
That he is dead at 52, from a heart attack, is beyond amazing.
He, unlike, alas, so many other ex-crickets, Ian Botham a classic example, did not look unhealthy. To the contrary. He looked fit, trim, tanned & in decent shape. WOW. Yes, it is possible that it was genetic or his rather ‘wild’ lifestyle. But, the bottom line is that he is gone. That is hard to digest right now. He was so young.
I will miss hearing his voice, insights and analysis. His definitely was too short of an innings.
