Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds dies in road accident

Throwing fans into mourning, Australian cricket great Andrew Symonds died in a car crash at the age of 46 on Saturday night.

The retired all-rounder's car veered off the road and rolled, killing him at 10.30 pm at Hervey Range, Townsville in north Queensland.

He was alone behind the wheel at the time and paramedics' attempts to revive him failed, police said.

The accident is under investigation. Symonds' family confirmed his death and thanked friends and fans for their sympathy and support, Daily Mail reported.

His passing weeks after Shane Warne's fatal heart attack came as a shellshock to the sporting world.

Born in Birmingham, Symonds was adopted as a baby by English schoolteachers Ken and Barbara Symonds.

They moved to Australia where Symonds' cricketing talent was discovered evolving him into one of the most noted players in his time.

Symonds has left behind remarkable achievements in both international and domestic cricket.

Showing great talents in all departments, Symonds bowled both off-spin and medium pace aside from being a powerful middle-order batsman.

As well as a top-rate fielder, he was instrumental to Australia's back-to-back 50-over World Cups triumphs in 2003 and 2007.

In home turf, Symonds played for Queensland for17 seasons alongside stepping in for Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire and Surrey.

In Indian Premier League, Symonds appeared for Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians.

His easy-going personality and huge talents made him hugely popular winning hearts outside crickets.

Condolences are pouring in from fellow crickets and fans across the world. Former Australian teammate Jason Gillespie said he was utterly devastated by Symonds' death.

Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also expressed grief, and former England skipper Michael Vaughan couldn't yet believe the death 'real'.

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