Remembering Andrew Symonds: Paying homage to the ‘Monkeygate’ heroes
Former all-rounder Andrew Symonds, part of the all-winning Australia team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup under Ricky Ponting in 2003 and 2007, has died in a car accident, Cricket Australia has announced. The former cricketer was involved in a single car accident outside Townsville, Queensland on Saturday night. Emergency services failed in its attempt to bring Symonds, the only passenger in the car, to leave the road and roll over.
Cricket Australia tweeted, “We are shocked and saddened to lose our beloved Queenslander, who died tragically at the age of 46.”
Between 1998 and 2009, Baggie Greens, 46, played 198 ODIs, scored six centuries and 30 half-centuries, and took 133 wickets. Symonds averaged 40.61 in 26 Tests.
Symonds’ death comes as another tragic blow to the country’s cricket community, already devastated by the recent deaths of Shane Warne and Rod Marsh.
Legendary former Australian captain Alan Border was the first to pay tribute to Symonds. Symonds “hit the ball from a great distance and just wanted to entertain,” Border said. “He was a bit of an old-fashioned cricketer.”
Speaking to Nine Network, Aussie Great said: “He was an adventurer, loved fishing, he loved hiking, camping. People like his very calm style. “
Adam Gilchrist has expressed his frustration over the death of one of his best friends from the cricket field and also paid tribute to his teammates on social media. Outstanding all-rounder Michael Bevan, who was able to join the Symonds Aussie squad for the 2003 ICC World Cup-winning Australia due to injury, also paid tribute.
India’s great Sachin Tendulkar also paid tribute to those involved in the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ scandal during the 2008 Test series. “The death of Andrew Symonds is tragic news for all of us. He was not only a brilliant all-rounder, but also a live-on on the field. I have fond memories of my time together at Mumbai Indians. May his soul rest in peace, our condolences to his family and friends, “the batting legend tweeted.
Another protagonist of the controversy, Harbhajan Singh, tweeted: “I am shocked to hear of the sudden death of Andrew Symonds. Gone too soon. Sincere sympathy to family and friends. Pray for the departed soul … “
Both Harbhajan and Tendulkar will later team up with the Symonds for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
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