New Delhi, May 15 : Cricket fraternity across the world on Sunday mourned the death of former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds. The Australian legend and two-time World Cup winner Andrew Symonds has died in a car crash on Saturday night. The loss of Symonds came just two months after the tragic passing of champion leg-spinner Shane Warne, while former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh also died of a heart attack earlier this year. India spin-master Harbhajan Singh said: “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.” “Shocking news #AndrewSymonds! My condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul,” Shikhar Dhawan tweeted. Delhi Capitals: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of #AndrewSymonds following a car crash last night. A swashbuckling all-rounder and two-time World Cup Winner, Simmo was a game-changer bar none during his cricketing career.” “Such heartbreaking news! Andrew Symonds was an entertaining cricketer and a terrific all-rounder. May his soul rest in peace,” India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik said. Cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted: “What a player when on song. And, at heart, a simple fellow as some of us were happy to discover. Too soon.” Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer tweeted, “Terrible news to wake up to. Saddened to know that Andrew Symonds is no more. Gone way too soon Thoughts go out to his family and friends. May God give them strength to cope with this tragedy.” Pakistan opening batter Ahamd Shahzad said: “Always a magnanimous presence in the field. Never imagined you’d go so early. Sad beyond words on hearing about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car accident. World cricket will always remember you.” Former Pakistan Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: “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.” Former English cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Vaughan: “Simmo .. This doesn’t feel real…” Australian great Adam Gichrist said: “Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.” Symonds was featured in 198 ODIs – scoring six centuries and 30 half-centuries – while also contributing 133 wickets with his more than handy off-spin and medium pace. He also played 14 T20I for Australia, managing 337 runs and eight wickets. It was at the 2003 World Cup where Symonds burst on to the stage with perhaps his greatest innings as he torched Pakistan with an unbeaten 143 in Johannesburg early in the tournament and helped Australia remain unbeaten and defeat India in a one-sided final. The burly right-hander was also part of the victorious World Cup side at the 2007 World Cup in West Indies as Australia claimed their fourth 50-over World Cup title.
