Former Aussie cricketer Symonds killed in car crash
FORMER Australian cricketer and two-time World Cup winner Andrew Symonds has died following a car accident in Queensland, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed yesterday.
The 46-year-old all-rounder, known for flamboyance on and off the pitch, had played 238 matches, including 26 tests, for Australia between 1998-2009.
Police said the accident occurred in Hervey Range, 50 kilometers from Townsville on Saturday night. The car Symonds was driving left the road and rolled, according to a police statement, which described it as a single-vehicle incident.
Queensland Police said an investigation into the crash has been opened.
“Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries,” the police statement said.
CA chairman Lachlan Henderson said Australian cricket had lost “another of its very best.”
“Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia’s success at World Cups and as part of Queensland’s rich cricket history,” he said in a statement.
“He was a cult figure to many who was treasured by his fans and friends.
“On behalf of Australian cricket, our deepest sympathies are with Andrew’s family, teammates, and friends.”
Symonds was a member of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2003 and 2007 and appeared in 198 one-day internationals in addition to 14 T20 Internationals.
Known for his swashbuckling batting and electric fielding, he could bowl both off-spin and medium pace.
“He was just an entertainer. He wanted to go out there and have fun and play the game he remembered to play it as a kid,” former teammate Mark Taylor said.