Cricket world stunned by the loss of great entertainer Symonds
CRICKET is mourning the loss of “an extraordinary player and even better human being” after the death of Andrew Symonds, aged 46.
The former Australian allrounder died in a single vehicle car crash in Queensland on Saturday night.
Tributes poured in from around the world for a player affectionately known as Roy.
Ricky Ponting, who captained Symonds for Australia, wrote on Twitter: “If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that’s why I always wanted him on my team.
“An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Symonds played 26 Tests, 198 one-day internationals and 14 T20s for Australia, winning the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.
Long-time international teammate Adam Gilchrist tweeted: “Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.”
Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, another former teammate of Symonds, tweeted: “Look after yourself up there great man, I am (heartbroken emoji), loved him so much and our thoughts are with the family at this time. Hug your loved ones £RIPRoy”.
Another team-mate Michael Clarke posted a heartbroken emoji in response to a video showing Symonds being caught out during a ODI after hitting the ball off Clarke at the non-striker’s end.
Symonds walked off appearing to mouth ‘you owe me a beer’ to Clarke, and when asked on Twitter if he had paid him back the former Australia captain said “I certainly did”.
Born in Birmingham, in June 1975, to Afro-Caribbean and European parents, he was adopted as a
baby by schoolteachers Ken and Barbara Symonds and the family emigrated to Australia soon afterwards, initially settling in Victoria before moving to Far North Queensland.
Symonds, who played county cricket for Kent, Gloucestershire, Lancashire and Surrey, made a lasting impression on those he played with and against.
India great Sachin Tendulkar wrote: “Andrew Symond’s demise is shocking news for all of us to absorb. Not only was he a brilliant all-rounder, but also a livewire on the field. I have fond memories of the time we spent together in Mumbai Indians. May his soul rest in peace, condolences to his family & friends.”
West Indies great Brian Lara said he had been in touch with Symonds
recently and was struggling to comprehend the news.
He tweeted: “We exchanged messages just hours ago... what’s really going on? Baffled and heartbroken! How could we lose another iconic figure in our sport so soon RIP Roy Condolences to Andrew’s family and close friends.”
Virender Sehwag, the former India batsman, called Symonds “one of the best entertainers” and added “his passing is a great loss for world cricket”.
Kent were “shocked and saddened” at the death of their “former overseas star and cult hero” while Surrey said Symonds had “left a mark at the club on and off the pitch”.
Lancashire tweeted: “We’re devastated to hear the passing of Andrew Symonds, who played for @lancscricket in 2005. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Symo.”
Gloucestershire also paid tribute, tweeting: “Everyone at Gloucestershire is devastated to hear of Andrew Symonds’ tragic death. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who knew him at this sad time.”
His most famous innings for Gloucestershire came in a County Championship game against Glamorgan at Abergavenny.
Gloucestershire had been reduced to 79-4 when he strode to the wicket at Pen-y-Pound and blasted a then-record 16 sixes in an innings which eventually amounted to an unbeaten 254 from 206 balls. He added four more maximums in a knock of 76 in his second visit.