Terry Jenner

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Cricket Australia says former test bowler Terry Jenner, who helped coach Shane Warne to a once world-record number of test wickets, has died at the age of 66.

Jenner played nine tests in the 1970s and later coached Australian spin bowlers including Warne, who retired from all forms of cricket 10 days ago after completing his stint with the Rajasthan Royals in the India Premier League.

Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said Jenner died Wednesday morning. Jenner's wife, Ann, said in a blog that her husband had suffered a heart attack six weeks ago, and other reports said he had suffered from a lengthy illness.

"We were saddened to be advised that Terry has passed away this morning," Young said. "He was a significant mentor of later generations including Shane Warne."

The 41-year-old Warne has played only in the IPL Twenty20 tournament since retiring with 708 test wickets in 2007. Sri Lankan spinner Mutti ah Muralitharan, who retired from international cricket after last month's World Cup final, finished his career with 800 test wickets, the only bowler to surpass Warne's total.

Former Australia test captain Allan Border said Jenner leaves a huge hole in Australia's spin-bowling fraternity.

"Terry was a very, very strong influence on Shane Warne. That says it all," 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 fellows who connected to the younger generation. He was just so passionate about it."

Ann Jenner said her husband "passed away peacefully."

"He wanted to be at home with his family and we were able to share the last few days with him," she said.

His funeral will be held at the Adelaide Oval on a date to be announced, Australian Associated Press reported.


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