Former Australian test cricketer Andrew Symonds has died after a single-vehicle auto accident near Townsville in northeast Australia. He was 46.
Cricket Australia reported Symonds' death on its website on Sunday, citing a police statement with details of the accident late Saturday night.
It described Symonds 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."
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 said the accident occurred at Hervey Range, about 50 kilometers from Townsville.
“Early information indicates, shortly after 11 p.m. the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled,” a police statement said. “Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant. However, he died of his injuries.”
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.
With dreadlocks and his face daubed with zinc cream, Symonds always cut a flamboyant figure in the Australian team.
His loss is another bitter blow for Australian cricket after the death in Thailand in March of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne. Wicketkeeper Rod Marsh also died in March aged 74.
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4 Comments
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funkymofo
Warne, Marsh and now Roy. Awful news.
EvilBuddha
RIP mate.
Had his fair share of controversies related to his drinking problem during his playing days, but seemed like a genuine bloke.
Eerie similarity to the death of Ben Hollioake. Both were all rounders, both were born in England, both were considered one day specialists and both died in car accidents in Australia.
Hope Bhajji has expressed his condolences considering that they did not share the best of equations because of the monkeygate saga.
EvilBuddha
Apologies, Ben Hollioake was born down under but played for England. But sad to see both and others who have contributed to the sport having their lives cut short when they still had so much more to give.
Dr.Cajetan Coelho
Sad loss. Respectful farewell to former Australian test cricketer Andrew Symonds. Strength and courage to all his loved ones.