Joe Root pays tribute to "massive idol" Shane Warne

The England skipper described Warne as a "joy to be around", a player who could "win a game on his own" and someone who "gave so much energy to the sport"

The England dressing room was left "shocked and saddened" by news of the untimely death of Shane Warne, in the words of captain, Joe Root.

England were batting on the final day of their warm-up match in Antigua when the news filtered through. Within minutes, the teams lined up to hold a minute’s silence with a sense of shock pervading the Coolidge Ground.

While Root never had the chance to bat against Warne, he described him as "a massive idol and influence" on him growing up. He also revealed he had enjoyed the opportunity to sit and talk about the game with him in recent times; memories he said he would "fondly remember".

"It's shocked us all in the dressing room," Root said at the lunch break. "First thoughts go out to his family and closest friends. Condolences to all of his loved ones. It's hard to know what to say really.

"My experiences of Shane were of someone who absolutely loved the game of cricket. He was always a joy to be around, he gave so much energy to the sport. As a kid growing up he was a massive idol of mine and someone you wanted to emulate. The way he could win a game on his own… his skill levels were incredible.

^{England's players and staff take a minute's silence in Antigua [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

"I'd have been 14 when the 2005 Ashes was on. In many ways that series was a massive influence on my career. The way he captured the nation... his phenomenal performances were the sort of thing that make you want to get into the game and play at the highest level.

"I didn't get a chance to play against him, not even in practice but I did get a chance to sit down and talk cricket with him and I'll fondly remember that. We had two or three hours and his energy for the game, his love and compassion for the sport and just wanting to see it played at the peak of its powers was evident to see. He really loved the game of cricket and he was great fun to be around. I am deeply saddened to hear this news today.

"We’re all really shocked and really sad to hear such a legend of the game has passed so suddenly. It’s a difficult one for everyone involved. We had just started the game and it filtered through the dressing room. It's been quite a quiet dressing room off the back of it. It's hit everyone quite hard if I'm being brutally honest."

The England side were wearing black armbands on the fourth day of the match in tribute to another Australian great, Rod Marsh, who also died during this game. On the first day of the match, they wore black armbands in respect of former West Indies great, Sonny Ramadhin, who also died in recent days.

RELATED LINKS (APP OPENS IN EXTERNAL WINDOW)

Legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne dies, aged 52

Sachin Tendulkar and Sir Vivian Richards lead tributes after death of Shane Warne

Shane Warne: The cricket world will be talking about him for centuries to come

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