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SYDNEY: Former Australian Test cricketer Terry Jenner, who helped turn Shane Warne into one of the world's greatest bowlers, died Wednesday aged 66.
Legspinner Jenner suffered a massive heart attack while coaching in England in April 2010 and never fully regained his health, passing away at his home in Adelaide, Cricket Australia said in a statement.
While he played nine Tests in the 1970s, Jenner was also known as the only Australian Test cricketer to be jailed -- spending two years behind bars for embezzlement.
He turned his life around after meeting Warne, who he started coaching in the early 1990s, and was regularly on hand to refine the Test great's action during his record-breaking career.
“Working with Shane changed everything,” Jenner said late last year.
“I was out there earning the respect of people and the good news is that I felt like I'd redeemed myself for the downs I had.”
The news was greeted with tributes from across the cricket community, headed by Warne who regularly credited Jenner for developing him into one of the most feared bowlers of all time.
Warne, who finished his career with a then Test record 708 wickets, wrote on his Twitter page Wednesday: “Very sad day, since hearing the news of my great friend TJ's passing.
“My sympathy to all his family - the great man will be missed - RIP !!!
“He gave up so much of his time for cricket and spin bowling - he was an amazing man - full of knowledge and wanted to share it. Thankyou TJ.”
The success he had with Warne opened up many avenues, including being an Australian Broadcasting Corporation commentator, with his roaring voice telling young spinners to “give it a rip” a regular feature.
“Terry was a very, very strong influence on Shane Warne. That says it all,”former Australian captain Allan Border told Fox Sports News.
“There's not a spin bowler in the country who hasn't had any time with Terry Jenner. He's just one of those fellas who connected to the younger generation. He was just so passionate about it.”
Born in Perth, Jenner represented Western Australia but moved to South Australia four summers after his debut.
The move paid off with his first Test coming in the series opener of England's 1970-71 visit, and he collected the wickets of John Edrich and Geoffrey Boycott.
His most famous involvement in that Test series came when, batting at No.9, he was hit in the head by a John Snow bouncer.
The incident resulted in Ray Illingworth taking his side off the ground following an angry response from the Sydney crowd.
His Test career ended in 1975 with 34 Test victims.
After winning three Sheffield Shield trophies, he stepped down from first-class cricket altogether in 1976 with 389 wickets at an average of 32.18.
His funeral will be held at the Adelaide Oval at a date to be announced.
