But now, the former Australian captain is like the rest of his teammates: numbed at news of Warne's death.

"He has had a turbulent life but a very full life," Taylor told the Nine Network on Saturday.

"He had been through all sorts of scandals.

"He mesmerised us with his bowling and his competitive nature on the field.

"We have loved that real ocker side of Shane Warne.

"You just felt, I certainly did, he would go on forever.

"It is a huge shock for me and it is a huge shock for the cricketing world."

Warne, 52, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack while holidaying on the Thailand island of Koh Samui.

Another of Warne's Australian captains, Steve Waugh, said he had "so many memories and moments that will never be forgotten" of the legspinner.

"It was a privilege and a pleasure to play alongside you," Waugh posted on Instagram.

Glenn McGrath said he was "absolutely devastated".

Like Taylor, he believed "nothing could ever happen to him".

"Warnie was larger than life ... he lived more in his life than most people would live in 20," McGrath said.

"He was the ultimate competitor. He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around and bring us to victory, which he did so many times.

"I think he lived his life the same way. There seemed to be never a dull moment.

"Rest In Peace my good mate, there'll never again be anyone like you."

Mark Waugh described Warne as the "ultimate entertainer" both on and off the field.

"It's just unfathomable to lose another great of our cricket family," Waugh posted on Twitter.

Adam Gilchrist said he was "numb".

"The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work."

Darren Lehmann, a teammate of Warne who later became Australia's coach, said he was devastated.

"Shane was the most generous, fun-loving superstar of our game ... he was always charismatic caring and true friend," Lehmann posted on Twitter.

Former Australia quick Brett Lee hailed Warne as the "rock star" of cricket.

"Can't believe it. The greatest bowler to play the game ever! The RockStar of cricket ! Gone too soon," Lee posted on Twitter.

Australian Associated Press