The passing away of Andrew Symonds in an accident has left everyone shocked and in a state of mourning for the legendary Australian allrounder. The 46-year-old died in a car accident outside Townsville, Queensland, where he lived in retirement.
Born in Birmingham, Andrew Symonds declined England’s offer to play for them and decided to play for Australia; he featured in 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is in an international career spanning from 1998 to 2009. He scored 1462 Test runs at 40 and 5088 ODI runs at 39. Symonds took upon T20 cricket like fish to water, averaging 32 at a strike rate of 147 across 93 short-format matches.
A hard-hitting finisher, a medium pace and off-spin bowler, and one of the best fielders ever, Symonds was a dream for any captain.
Symonds is a two-time World Cup winner during both of Australia’s undefeated title runs in 2003 and 2007 as well as a key member of the Test side in the mid-2000s. His death is the third one of an Australian cricketer this year, following the sad demise of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne and iconic wicket-keeper Rodney Marsh in the first week of March.
Here’s why Andrew Symonds was given the nickname ‘Roy’
Andrew Symonds was also fondly nicknamed ‘Roy’ by his teammates who thought that the all-rounder looked similar to premier Brisbane Bullets basketball star Leroy Loggins! Although Symonds wasn’t entirely sure of it and found it funny.
In their tributes to Symonds following his passing away, many of his former Australian teammates used his nickname of ‘Roy’.
Adam Gilchrist, who shared a great bond with Symonds, made a heartfelt tribute to the former all-rounder:
“Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy,” the former wicket-keeper tweeted.
Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) May 15, 2022
Former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting, who fought hard with the selectors for the all-rounder’s selection for the 2003 World Cup which became a breakthrough tournament for the Symonds, had a few profound words on the latter’s death.
“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,” Ponting said.
