SYDNEY: The all-rounder played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20 for Australia between 1998 and 2009.
A powerful batter, canny bowler and fine fielder, Symonds was part of two 50-over World Cup wins and Australia’s Ashes victory over England in 2006-07.
According to local police Symonds’ car “left the roadway and rolled”.
A statement added: “Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries.
Born in Birmingham, Symonds could have played for England but turned down a call-up to the England A side after turning heads in 1995 when he smashed 16 sixes enroute his 254* for Gloucestershire against Glamorgan. His record (jointly held) for the most sixes in a County Championship was only bettered last week by Ben Stokes.
The Australia debut eventually came in an ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium in November 1998, but it was at the 2003 World Cup when Symonds truly arrived on the international circuit. In Australia’s first match of the competition at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Symonds walked out to bat with the holders reeling at 86 for 4.
Vale Andrew Symonds.
We are shocked and saddened by the loss of the loveable Queenslander, who has tragically passed away at the age of 46. pic.twitter.com/ZAn8lllskK
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) May 15, 2022
He proceeded to take apart a Pakistan attack comprising Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar to finish with 143 not out. He would go on to score five more hundreds in the 50-over format and finished with an average touching nearly 40 despite predominantly playing as a finisher.
As we mourn the loss of former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, we take a look back to his tremendous 143* against Pakistan at the 2003 World Cup.#RIPRoy pic.twitter.com/oyoH7idzkb
— ICC (@ICC) May 15, 2022
Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy. 💔😞
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 15, 2022
Look after yourself up there great man, I am 💔, loved him so much and our thoughts are with the family at this time. Hug your loved ones xx #RIPRoy pic.twitter.com/1nWupFBqOK
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) May 15, 2022
Can’t believe what I’ve just woken up to 😔
Thinking of his family, his teammates and everyone in the cricket community. We’ve lost another one of our hero’s #RIPRoy— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) May 15, 2022
Simmo .. This doesn’t feel real .. #RIP ❤️
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 14, 2022
Devastated to hear about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car crash in Australia. We shared a great relationship on & off the field. Thoughts & prayers with the family. #AndrewSymonds pic.twitter.com/QMZMCwLdZs
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 14, 2022
Post his retirement from all forms of the game in 2012, Symonds moved into broadcasting and was a regular presence in the commentary box during Australia’s home season as well as in the Big Bash League.
