Kent Cricket club adds tributes to Aussie legend Andrew Symonds after fatal car crash

Andrew Symonds played for Kent between 1999 and 2004 Credit: KCCC/PA

Cricket is mourning the loss of “an extraordinary player and even better human being” after the death of Andrew Symonds aged 46.

The former Australian all-rounder died in a single vehicle car crash in Queensland on Saturday night.

Tributes poured in from around the world for the player affectionately known as Roy.

A minute’s silence was held before Kent’s match with Surrey at the County Ground in Beckenham this morning

Ricky Ponting, who captained Symonds for Australia, 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.”

Symonds played 26 Tests, 198 one-day internationals and 14 T20s for Australia, winning the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.

Roy holds Shane Warne aloft after winning the Ashes in 2007 Credit: PA

Long-time international team-mate Adam Gilchrist tweeted: “Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.”

Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, another former team-mate of Symonds, tweeted: “Look after yourself up there great man, I am (heartbroken emoji), loved him so much and our thoughts are with the family at this time. Hug your loved ones #RIPRoy”.

Symonds, who played county cricket for Kent, Gloucestershire, Lancashire and Surrey, made a lasting impression on those he played with and against.

Kent were “shocked and saddened” at the death of their “former overseas star and cult hero” while Surrey said Symonds had “left a mark at the club on and off the pitch”.

He played for Kent between 1999 and 2004, scoring over three and a half thousand runs, including twelve centuries.

Kent Cricket’s Chair, Simon Philip, said: “Andrew Symonds remains one of the most popularKent players of the modern era.

“He contributed greatly to the Club across all three formats and his rare talent left manyextraordinary memories with those who saw him play. Our thoughts are with his family andfriends.”

Paying tribute on social media, Kent Men Head Coach Matt Walker said: “He was a greatplayer, a great teammate and another huge loss for the cricket family.”

Former Kent Captain David Fulton, who skippered Symonds during his time at Kent, said:“He was a brilliant, combative cricketer who could win a game with bat, ball, in the field orwith his sheer will to win and presence on the field. Simply, a fantastic teammate.”