Tributes pour in after Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds dies in a car crash

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<strong>Former Australian all-rounder and two-time World Cup winner Andrew Symonds died in a car crash in Queensland late Saturday night.</strong></p>
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Queensland Police said it is investigating the crash, which occurred at Hervey Range, about 50km from Townsville.</p>
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"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," Cricket Australia quoted a police statement as saying this morning.</p>
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"Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries," the statement added.</p>
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Symond's death comes as a huge for the world cricketing fraternity, and the Australian cricket in particular, after the the sudden passing away of leg spinner Shane Warne and another Aussie great Rod Marsh, earlier this year.</p>
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"Australian cricket has lost another of its very best. Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia's success at World Cups and as part of Queensland's rich cricket history," said Cricket Australia chairman Lachlan Henderson.</p>
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<img alt="Andrew Symonds " src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/andrew_symonds.webp" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;" /></p>
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"He was a cult figure to many who was treasured by his fans and friends," he added.</p>
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Symonds played 26 Tests for Australia, scoring 1462 runs at 40.61 and picking up 24 wickets with his off-spin and medium-pace bowling.</p>
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His brilliant 162 not out against India in the 2008 Sydney Test helped Australia to a 122-run victory, but the game would be more remembered for the 'Monkeygate' controversy which threatened India's entire tour Down Under.</p>
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Symonds had accused Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh of calling him a "monkey", triggering a war of words between the two teams and a threat by India to return home after Singh was initially suspended for three games.</p>
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"Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Andrew Symonds. Gone too soon. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Prayers for the departed soul," tweeted Harbhajan today.</p>
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Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Andrew Symonds. Gone too soon. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Prayers for the departed soul 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPSymonds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPSymonds</a></p>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1525668871797035009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Nicknamed 'Roy', the big-hitting allrounder played 198 one-day internationals, clobbering 5088 runs and taking 133 wickets.</p>
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The Queenslander, who was born in Birmingham but moved to Australia with his adoptive parents as a baby, was also a brilliant fielder.</p>
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Symond's family issued a statement confirming his passing this morning, appreciating peoples' sympathy and best wishes and also asking that their privacy be respected during this time.</p>
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Tragic news to hear of Andrew Symonds passing. Condolences to his family, friends and well wishers.</p>
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1525661393860665344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy," tweeted former Australian skipper and Symonds' teammate Adam Gilchrist.</p>
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<strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/world-cricket-fraternity-at-loss-of-words-over-magician-shane-warne-s-demise-154830.html">World cricket fraternity at loss of words over magician Shane Warne's demise </a></strong></p>