Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, who shared a close bond with Shane Warne, paid his tribute to the spin wizard in a social media post, stating that the Australia legend was a special sportsman, competitor and person.

Pietersen took to social media to share an Ashes 2005 picture with Shane Warne and penned down an emotional note to the Australia legend. “He played hard and I mean VERY hard, but he always congratulated you if you did something pretty special! Just a special sportsman, competitor & person! Love ya, Shaunie,” Pietersen wrote in his Instagram post.

The body of Australian legend Shane Warne has been transported to Thailand’s capital Bangkok before being flown back to his country of birth. The convoy of ambulance and police drove overnight from Surat Thani province, south of Thailand, to an airport in Bangkok.

Thai police have concluded 52-year-old Warne died of natural causes while on holiday on the resort island of Koh Samui. Warne was considered to be one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket and helped Australia win the World Cup in 1999.

He was also part of five Ashes-winning teams during his 15-year international career. The family of Warne has requested a quick return of his body to Australia.

Thai authorities said they have been working closely with the Australian ambassador in Thailand, to expedite paperwork and formalities in order to accommodate the family’s request.

Warne’s family have also accepted the offer of a state funeral in the wake of the cricketing icon’s sudden death.