Andrew Symonds Death: Aussie Cricket Legend Dies In Car Crash At 46, Players Mourn 'Devastating' Loss

Andrew Symonds Death: Initially, authorities did not name Andrew Symonds, but he was widely identified by multiple media outlets and former players.

In this file photo, Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds returns to the pavillion after being dismissed against Bangladesh during a warm up match at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, on June 1, 2009.

Source : AFP

New Delhi: Former Australian test cricketer Andrew Symonds (aged 46) died following a single-vehicle auto accident late Saturday night near Townsville in northeast Australia. Cricket Australia confirmed Symonds' death on Sunday, citing a police statement with details of the accident. Symonds was described as "a cult hero during the peak of his international playing career and one of the most skilled allrounders Australian cricket has seen".

"The Queenslander was a larger-than-life figure who drew a widespread fan base during his peak years for not only his hard-hitting ways but his larrikin persona," Cricket Australia mentioned.

Symonds played 26 test matches for Australia and posted two centuries, but he was better known as a limited-overs specialist. He played 198 one-day international for Australia, and won two World Cups.

After retiring as a player, Symonds became a popular commentator for cricket broadcasters.

Queensland Police stated that the accident occurred at Hervey Range, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Townsville.

"Early information indicates, shortly after 11 pm the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled," a police statement said, as quoted by the Associated Press. It further stated that emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant. However, he died of his injuries.

Initially, authorities did not name Symonds, but he was widely identified by multiple media outlets and former players.

Symonds' family appealed for privacy.

Former Australian captain Allan Border was among those to pay tribute to Symonds on Sunday.

Border said Symonds "hit the ball a long way and just wanted to entertain".

"He was, in a way, a little bit of an old-fashioned cricketer," Border told the Nine Network. "He was an adventurer, loved his fishing, he loved hiking, camping. People liked his very laid-back style." That style brought Symonds into conflict with authority late in his career. In 2008, he missed Australia's one-day series against Bangladesh after going fishing when he was required to attend a team meeting. He also was disciplined prior to the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup for breaching team rules around alcohol.

"Horrendous news to wake up to," tweeted former Australian teammate Jason Gillespie, adding "Utterly devastated. We're all gonna miss you mate."

Horrendous news to wake up to.
Utterly devastated. We are all gonna miss you mate.☹️ #RIPRoy

— Jason Gillespie 🌱 (@dizzy259) May 14, 2022

Adam Gilchrist, another former teammate and fellow commentator, wrote: "This really hurts," while Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was "devastated".

Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy. 💔😞

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 15, 2022

"We shared a great relationship on & off the field. Thoughts & prayers with the family," he tweeted.

Devastated to hear about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car crash in Australia. We shared a great relationship on & off the field. Thoughts & prayers with the family. #AndrewSymonds pic.twitter.com/QMZMCwLdZs

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 14, 2022

With dreadlocks and his face daubed with zinc cream, Symonds always cut a flamboyant figure in the Australian team.

This is yet another tragic blow to Australian cricket. Symonds is the third Australian cricket legend to suddenly pass away this year following the tragic deaths of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne and Wicketkeeper Rod Marsh in March.

(With Agency Inputs)