AUSTRALIA: Andrew Symonds, a former Australian Test cricketer, died in a single-vehicle car accident near Townsville in northeast Australia. He was 46 years old.
On Sunday, Cricket Australia announced Symonds’ death on its website, citing a police statement detailing the late Saturday night tragedy.
Symonds was characterized as “a cult icon at the zenith of his international playing career and one of the most gifted allrounders Australian cricket has seen.”
The Queenslander was a larger-than-life personality who gathered a considerable fan base during his peak years for his hard-hitting tactics and his larrikin persona.
The cricketer batted for Australia in 26 test matches and scored two centuries, although he was more renowned as a limited-overs specialist. He represented Australia in 198 one-day internationals, winning two World Cups.
Symonds became a famous pundit for cricket broadcasters after retiring as a player.
The mishap happened in Hervey Range, around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Townsville, according to Queensland Police.
“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.
“Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant. However, he died of his injuries.” The cricketer’s family has requested privacy.
Former Australian captain Allan Border was among those who paid tribute to Symonds on Sunday.
While talking to the media, Border said, “He was, in a way, a little bit of an old-fashioned cricketer.”
“He was an adventurer who enjoyed fishing, climbing, and camping. People admired his easygoing demeanour.”
Late in his career, Symonds’ style caused him to clash with authorities. He skipped Australia’s one-day series against Bangladesh in 2008 because he went fishing instead of attending a team meeting. Prior to the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup, he was reprimanded for breaking team drinking regulations.
Tributes have been pouring in from the entire cricket fraternity.
Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh called him a “brutally fierce teammate” in a tweet.
‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar recalled Mumbai Indians (MI) memories in heartfelt tribute to Symonds.
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