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Cricket Australia announced Sunday that swashbuckling defunct all-rounder Andrew Symonds was killed in a car accident, adding to the sport’s recent losses of Shane Warne and Rod Marsh. The 46-year-old, who represented Australia in 26 Tests and 198 one-day internationals from 1998 to 2009, was killed in a single-car accident outside Townsville, Queensland, on Saturday night.
According to police, emergency personnel attempted to resuscitate the driver and sole occupant, but he died as a result of his injury issues after the car left the road and rolled.
“Australian cricket has lost another of its very best,” stated “ Cricket Australia chief Lachlan Henderson in a statement.
“Andrew was a generational talent who contributed to Australia’s World Cup success as well as Queensland’s rich cricket history.”
“To many, he was a cult figure who was cherished by his fans and friends,” he added.
Symonds’ death comes just months after the unexpected deaths of fellow Australian greatest players Warne and Marsh from heart attacks.
“Unfortunately, under these circumstances, I’ve been here far too frequently this year.” To be honest, I can’t believe it,” former Australia captain Mark Taylor told Channel Nine. “Yet another sad day for cricket.”
The larger-than-life character Symonds was well-liked not only for his hard-hitting style of play, but also for his easygoing personality.
He was widely regarded as one of the most talented all-rounders in Australian cricket history, bowling both off-spin and medium pace and batting with explosive middle-order power.
Symonds was also an excellent fielder who helped Australia win back-to-back 50-over World Cups in 2003 and 2007.
Domestically, he spent 17 seasons with Queensland, as well as stints with Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire, and Surrey in the English County Championship and Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
‘I am completely devastated.’ –
“Horrible news to wake up to,” former Australian teammate Jason Gillespie tweeted. “Completely devastated. We’ll all miss you, mate.”
Former teammate Adam Gilchrist, who recently co-commentated with Symonds on Fox Sports, wrote, “This really hurts,” while Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that he was “devastated.”
“Simmo… this doesn’t feel real #RIP,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Symonds, who was born in England to Afro-Caribbean parents, will be recalled for the infamous “monkeygate” scandal, which sent him into a downward spiral.
In the 2008 New Year Test in Sydney, he tried to accuse India spinner Harbhajan Singh of calling him a “monkey.”
