Shane Warne's memorial service: Elton John and Ed Sheeran lead tributes to cricketing legend

Music giants Sir Elton John and Ed Sheeran led tributes as the world said an emotional goodbye to Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne at his memorial service on Wednesday.

A massive crowds gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia to remember the former leg-spinner, who died earlier this month aged 52 from a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand.

The soundtrack to the memorial was provided by Sir Elton John and Ed Sheeran, who both performed live via video link.

Sheeran sang his hit Thinking Out Loud, while Sir Elton performed Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, dedicating the song to Warne's children.

A private funeral has already been held, attended by dozens of celebrities including ex-England captain Michael Vaughan, but Wednesday's state memorial service was open to the public.

Warne's loved ones gave emotional speeches, with Warne's father Keith saying he was "grateful the world loved our son as we did".

Keith said that looking forward to a future without his son was "inconceivable", but added Warne had packed more into his life "than most people would in two lifetimes".

“Shane said of himself ‘I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket'", Keith continued.

“Mate, your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son".

Warne retired with a then-world record 708 wickets in 145 Tests, which has since been surpassed by Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, and recorded a further 293 one-day international wickets, helping Australia to 1999 World Cup glory.

A host of famous faces from the sport took to the stage, including Warne's former Australian captains Mark Taylor and Allan Border, as well as England's Nasser Hussain.

Hussain said: “Shane, it was an absolute privilege to be with you on a cricket pitch. On behalf of everyone back in England, our Sky team, we love you and we miss you".

Elton John and Ed Sheeran, who both performed live via video link, led the tribute to the world's one of the most successful cricketers.

There was another musical performance, pre-recorded, from Robbie Williams, who sang his record ‘Angels’, with photos of Warne and his three children accompanying the song.

Singer Kylie Minogue and actor Hugh Jackman also paid their respects via video link, with Ms Minogue saying the cricketer's “light will continue to burn bright in our memories forever more”.