'Thanks for the lovely memories' - Andrew Symonds' demise leaves cricket fraternity in dismay

Cricket fans woke up to a sad piece of news on Sunday morning (May 15) as Andrew Symonds passed away following a car accident. This major mishap took place in the outskirts of the city of Townsville. One of the finest all-rounders to have played for Australia, Symonds was truly a match-winner and his contribution to the national team was way beyond his numbers.

Symonds, who breathed his last at 46, endorsed an aggressive brand of cricket as many prominent bowlers became victims of his brilliance. Alongside slogging the ball hard, Symonds was a handy bowler and a sharp fielder which made him an even greater asset. He even was instrumental in taking the Aussies to the 2003 and 2007 World Cup triumphs. As a result, the news of his demise spread like wildfire and condolences came in from different corners.

Andrew Symonds succumbed to his injuries 

“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. Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating,” read an official statement issued by the police.

For the unversed, Symonds made his international debut in 1998 and didn’t take long in becoming a vital part of the national team. As far as his numbers are concerned, Symonds featured in 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is, scoring nearly 7000 runs at the highest level. He also picked up more than 150 wickets.

Meanwhile, former Australia captain Allan Border was among many to pay tribute to the late cricketer. He also explained how Symonds was different from his contemporaries. “He hit the ball a long way and just wanted to entertain. He was, in a way, a little bit of an old-fashioned cricketer,” former Test captain and Fox Sports commentator Allan Border told the Nine Network.

“He was an adventurer. Loved his fishing, he loved hiking, camping. People liked his very laid-back style. He lived in Townsville. When I spoke to him, I think he still had a hundred head of cattle he used to muster. Symo away from the cameras and away from the spotlight, loved, I think, a bit of solitude and that is why he loved his fishing. Loved his own time,” he added.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how cricket stars reacted to Andrew Symonds’ demise: