SHANE Warne said in 2018 that he had spent the 'happiest time' of his life with Herefordshire model Liz Hurley.

The Australian cricketer had been engaged to Miss Hurley until 2013, it was announced yesterday (Friday) that had died.

The pair started dating in 2010 after they met at the horse racing.

A year later the pair were engaged and seen visiting Greggs in Ledbury.

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The couple bought £6 million mansion Donnington Hall, just a couple of miles from the town, and Liz still lives in the area.

However, in 2013 they cancelled their wedding.

Speaking on the Lorraine television programme in 2018,Warne said: "There was a spark, there was chemistry there.

"We both had a great time but unfortunately it didn't work out.

"It wasn't something that she or I did wrong, it was just one of those things that fizzled out.

"We are still great friends now and keep in touch. It was the happiest time of my life.

"We made each other happy. I think we were good for each other and our kids got along great.

"I will always love Elizabeth and we will care for each other.

"We still keep in touch which is nice."

Dubbed the greatest leg spinner of all time, Warne earned 350 test caps for his country as well as a further 110 ODI caps.

Warne’s management released a brief statement yesterday (Friday) saying that he had passed away in Koh Samui, Thailand, of a suspected heart attack, according to Fox Sports.

It read: “Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived.

“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course.”