Former Australian Test cricketer Andrew Symonds has died after a single-vehicle auto accident close to Townsville in northeast Australia.
He was 46. Cricket Australia reported Symonds’ dying on its web site on Sunday, citing a police assertion with particulars of the accident late Saturday evening.
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 performed 26 check matches for Australia and posted two centuries, however he was higher often known as a limited-overs specialist.
He performed 198 one-day worldwide for Australia, and gained two World Cups.
After retiring as a participant, Symonds grew to become a well-liked commentator for cricket broadcasters.
Queensland Police mentioned the accident occurred at Hervey Range, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Townsville.
“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 assertion mentioned.
“Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant. However, he died of his injuries.” Symonds’ household appealed for privateness.
Former Australian captain Allan Border was amongst these to pay tribute to Symonds on Sunday.
Border mentioned 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 advised the Nine Network. “He was an adventurer, loved his fishing, he loved hiking, camping. People liked his very laid-back style.”
That model introduced Symonds into battle with authority late in his profession. In 2008, he missed Australia’s one-day collection in opposition to Bangladesh after going fishing when he was required to attend a workforce assembly.
He additionally was disciplined previous to the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup for breaching workforce guidelines round alcohol.
With dreadlocks and his face daubed with zinc cream, Symonds at all times reduce a flamboyant determine within the Australian workforce.
His loss is one other bitter blow for Australian cricket after the dying in Thailand in March of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne. Wicketkeeper Rod Marsh additionally died in March aged 74.
