Over the course of three centuries of cricket played at the highest level, Shane Warne established himself as one of the greatest cricketers. In the distinct categories of bowler, fieldsman and rearguard batsman, Warne is among the highest in each ranking.

His death, so sudden and unexpected, has evoked outpourings of shock because it was so unexpected and ahead of its time. We who admired Shane, 52, thought we had him for decades to come. Coping with grief about those who have no right to be absent is part of the human condition.