World cricket has mourned the death of former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who was killed in a car crash outside Townsville in his home state of Queensland. Former Australian teammates and international cricketers have expressed sympathy on social media over the death of Symonds, 46. Former Australian goalkeeper Adam Gilchrist and fast bowler Jason Gillespie played with Symonds at the 2003 World Cup. He expressed regret at this news.
Gilchrist wrote: “My most loyal, funny and loving friend passed away in a car accident. I am deeply saddened by this news. May his soul rest in peace.”
Former Australian fast bowler Gillespie said he was shocked to hear the news. Another Australian fast bowler, Damien Fleming, tweeted: “Saddened to hear the news of my darling. My condolences to the Symonds family.”
According to cricket.com, “Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, widely regarded as the greatest fielder of all time in world cricket. He described Symonds’ fielding skills as the best in 2006 and said the Australian player was 10 times better .were”.
Rhodes said in 2006, “Symonds is much better than me, he was a good player. He played brilliantly in a lot of games, which helped the team win.”
Paying tribute to Symonds, Cricket Australia (CA) wrote on its website: “We are shocked and saddened by the death of the beloved Queenslander who has tragically passed away at the age of 46.”
Current and former cricketers from the subcontinent are also shocked to hear the news of Symonds’ death. Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: “Symonds lost his life due to a car accident in Australia. We were good friends on and off the pitch. Our condolences to his family.”
Former India batsman VVS Laxman wrote: “Very sad news, I am shocked by this news.”
Think of your most loyal, fun loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Ray.
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 15, 2022
Shocking news to wake up to here in India. Rest in peace, my dear friend. what tragic news pic.twitter.com/pBWEqVO6IY
—VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 15, 2022
The death of Andrew Symond is shocking news for all of us to absorb. It was not only a brilliant all-rounder, but also a common thread in the field. I have fond memories of the time we spent together in the Indians of Mumbai.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 15, 2022