Former prime minister John Howard has paid tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne.

The 52-year-old’s body has been transported from the holiday island of Ko Samui to the Thai mainland where an autopsy has been carried out.

The family has accepted a Victorian state funeral.

Mr Howard told Ben Fordham he was in “utter shock” when he heard of his passing.

“We saw quite a bit of each other.

“He was a very personable man. I always enjoyed meeting him and chatting about things.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty/Hanna Lassen