Vale Andrew Symonds

15 May, 2022

The ACA, along with the entire Australian cricket family is shocked and deeply saddened by the news that Andrew Symonds has died.

Andrew played nearly 200 ODIs for Australia (198) and was an integral part of a formidable team that won back-to-back World Cups in 2003 and 2007. In many ways, it was that 2003 tournament when he announced himself on the international stage with 143 not out against Pakistan – one of the most memorable World Cup hundreds of all time.

He was an all-rounder in the true sense of the word, with Ricky Ponting saying he was the best fielder he’d ever seen. His power, athleticism and all-round cricket ability had a significant impact on how the game was played.

While his explosive talents were right at home in the white-ball formats, Andrew also played 26 Tests, scoring hundreds against England and India, and taking 24 wickets, sometimes with off-breaks, sometimes with his medium pace.

This goes part of the way to explaining his cult-figure status during one of Australia’s most successful eras. To watch “Roy” in full flight was to watch a prodigious talent play the game on his terms, all the while being a great teammate. He played cricket in a very Australian way, with an understated self-assurance and a joy that was infectious to all who watched him – more so to those fortunate enough to play alongside him, either for Australia or his beloved home state of Queensland.

Andrew was a life member of the ACA, and our deepest condolences go to his family and many friends – for them he truly was larger than life.

May Andrew’s memory be a blessing.

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
The Australian Cricketers’ Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.