New Delhi: “Not to Symonds, not to Symonds… and that is why”, the commentator exclaimed as Andrew Symonds aimed for the stumps, running-out Monty Panesar in an extraordinary feat of marksmanship during the 5th Sydney test which Australia won with 10 wickets in hand – a prelude to its 5-0 victory in that 2006–07 Ashes series.
The sudden demise of Symonds in a tragic car accident Saturday night, at the age of 46, has left the world of cricket ‘utterly devastated’.
Known for his skills as a right-handed, middle-order attacking batsman, Andrew Symonds could also bowl at both medium pace and spin. He even won praise for his exceptional skills as a fielder.
Following his demise, tributes poured in for Symonds from across the world, ranging from former Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist and former captain and Australian coach Ricky Ponting to Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Harbhajan Singh.
“If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that’s why I always wanted him on my team,” Ponting wrote on Twitter.
If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that's why I always wanted him on my team. An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts are with his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/7r7FiK1CzK
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) May 15, 2022
Paying his respects to the former Australian cricket all-rounder, Sachin Tendulkar termed Symond’s demise “a shocking news for all of us to absorb.”
Andrew Symond’s demise is shocking news for all of us to absorb. Not only was he a brilliant all-rounder, but also a live-wire on the field. I have fond memories of the time we spent together in Mumbai Indians.
May his soul rest in peace, condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/QnUTEZBbsD
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 15, 2022
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli, too, took to Twitter to express shock.
Shocking and saddening to hear of Andrew Symonds passing. May his soul RIP and God give strength to his family in this difficult moment. ??
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 15, 2022
“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,” wrote Harbhajan Singh, who shared a controversial history with Symonds. The two had later reconciled their differences during the 2011 Indian Premier League.
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 ?#RIPSymonds
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 15, 2022
Symonds’s death has left many Indian fans of the game, who admired the Australian all-rounder, shattered.
Recalling his joyous celebration on field after taking a wicket, Delhi-based cricket fan Prakhar Bhatnagar said: “I am going to miss Symonds for all his unique on field antics and celebrations that would make me laugh during a game.”
“Symonds was electric in the field despite carrying a heavy frame. One of the cleanest hitters of his generation, his bowling skills also set him apart from the usual part-time bowlers as he mixed his pace and lengths cleverly… Gone too soon,” said Nishant Pal from Ajmer.
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Agile fielder, match-winning all rounder
It was not easy for Andrew Symonds when he started his international cricketing career with a one day international (ODI) for Australia against Pakistan in 1998 since he was not made a regular member of the playing eleven, given that Australia had the choice of all-rounder Shane Watson at that time.
Symonds solidified his position as a core member of the Australian ODI team in the opening match of the 2003 World Cup, when he scored 143 not-out after all-rounder Watson was injured. It was Symonds who led the scattered batting order from 4/86 to 8/310 with a massive victory for Australia which went on to win the World Cup that year.
He played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20 international matches in his remarkable career that lasted between 1998 and 2009, yielding him a total of 6,887 runs at an excellent strike-rate of 92.44 at an average of 39.75, while also scalping 165 wickets.
Larger than mere figures, Symonds was an aggressive player with his soaring shots, explosive fielding, and off-spin and medium-pace bowling, playing a central role in at least two World Cup finals (2003 and 2007).
During the second semi final of the ICC T20 world cup, it was Symonds who, when he did not find Adam Gilchrist behind the stumps, dismissed batsman Robin Uthappa in a runout by hitting the mid-wicket from mid-field.
Andrew Symonds retired from international cricket in 2012 citing family reasons after a series of controversies and disciplinary breaches that emanated from the 2008 ‘Monkeygate Scandal’.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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