‘I will never delete that text’ – Adam Gilchrist reveals conversation with Shane Warne hours before his demise

Tributes and condolence messages are pouring in from different quarters as Australian great Shane Warne has breathed his last. Arguably the finest leg-spinner to have graced the game, Warne passed away due to a heart attack on March 4 at his villa in Thailand. His untimely demise took the cricket world by storm as Warne had been in news due to his bold statements or coaching stints.

In fact, he was seen enjoying a walk in his villa hours before his demise. As the cricket world continue to grieve the great loss, former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has revealed that he had received a text from Warne around eight hours before his sudden passing. The southpaw had played a lot of cricket with Warne and shared a great bond with the legendary leg-spinner.

Adam Gilchrist recalls his time with Shane Warne

“I spoke to Shane about a week ago. I received a really nice text from him. Probably, I am assuming this was eight hours before he passed away. He was just sending me a message. He was one of the few guys that consistently called me church,” Gilchrist told ABC News.

“It’s a nickname only those in the inner circle knew about – about being confused by a young English fan and they called me ‘Eric Gilchurch’. He always called me ‘Churchy’ and it always felt like a term of endearment from a friend,” he added.

Notably, hours before Warne’s death, the cricket world lost another Australian legend in Rod Marsh. As Marsh was also a wicketkeeper, Gilchrist grew up idolizing him. The 50-year-old had paid a heartfelt tribute to Marsh, leaving Warne heart whelmed.

“He (Warne) messaged me saying, ‘Church, wonderful tribute to Rod Marsh’. Which I was very honoured to do a voice over. We were not even close to coming to terms with the passing of my childhood hero in Rod Marsh and another legend of the cricket world. Warnie just messaged me and said ‘well done on that sir’. So that was the last contact. It’s a text message I will never delete,” revealed Gilchrist.