Former Australia cricketer and two-time World Cup winner Andrew Symonds has died in a car crash on Saturday night. He was only 46 years old at the time of his passing. He was part of two World Cup winning sides in 2003 and 2007.
Symonds was the sole passenger in the crash just outside of Townsville in his home state of Queensland and police confirmed that a 46-year-old male died at the scene.
“Early information indicates, shortly after 11pm the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled,” the police statement confirmed.
“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,” they added.
Symonds averaged 40.61 with the bat from 26 Tests for his country, but was perhaps more well known for his exploits in white-ball cricket and sublime fielding whether in the outfield or inside the circle. He featured in 198 ODIs – scoring six centuries and 30 half-centuries – while also contributing 133 wickets with his more than handy off-spin and medium pace.
Let’s take a look at Andrew Symonds’ career in a couple of pictures:
The celebrated all-rounder, who was born in Birmingham turned down an offer to represent England in international cricket. Later, he made his debut for Australia in 1998 at the Gaddafi Stadium against Pakistan.
The Queenslander announced himself at the biggest stage almost five years after his debut. He single-handed guided Australia to a mammoth total during a 2003 World Cup game against Pakistan. He walked in at 86/4 and smashed and unbeaten 143 against a formidable attack ft. Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib Akhtar.
Australian cricketers, including Symonds, celebrating the 2003 World Cup victory.
A Test debut came Symonds’ way the following year in 2004 in Galle against Sri Lanka.
His start-stop red-ball career took a turn for the good when he scored his maiden Test ton in the Boxing Day Ashes Test of 2006.
The 50-over format though was where Symonds shone the brightest, backing his powerful batting with canny bowling and world class fielding.
His most cherished moment came in life when he lifted the second World Cup in 2007.
Symonds hit a series-defining 162* in the controversy-laden Sydney Test of 2008 against India, which was the highest point in his red-ball career.
The same match was marred by what came to be called the ‘Monkeygate’ scandal.
He found himself caught in more controversy the following year when he was sent home from the T20 World Cup for breaking team rules.
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