Explosive former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has died in a car crash, local reports and fellow players said Sunday, in another tragic blow for the sport after the recent deaths of Shane Warne and Rod Marsh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 46-year-old, who played 26 Tests and 198 one-day internationals, was involved in a single-car accident outside Townsville in Queensland state on Saturday night.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Police said emergency services attempted to revive the driver and sole occupant, but he died from his injuries after the car left the road and rolled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Authorities did not name Symonds, but he was widely identified by multiple media outlets and former players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Horrendous news to wake up to," tweeted former Australian teammate Jason Gillespie. "Utterly devastated. We're all gonna miss you mate."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Adam Gilchrist, another former teammate and fellow commentator, wrote: "This really hurts," while Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was "devastated".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We shared a great relationship on & off the field. Thoughts & prayers with the family," he tweeted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Symonds' fatal crash comes just months after the deaths of fellow Australian greats Shane Warne and Rod Marsh, who both died from heart attacks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The larger-than-life Symonds was hugely popular, not only for his hard-hitting approach to the game but also for his easy-going personality.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was widely considered one of the most skilled all-rounders Australian cricket has seen and was a key member of the team that won back-to-back 50-over World Cups in 2003 and 2007.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But he was also remembered for the infamous "monkeygate" scandal in 2008 that sent him into a downward spiral.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Symonds accused India spinner Harbhajan Singh of calling him a "monkey" in the 2008 New Year Test in Sydney.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Singh, who denied any wrongdoing, was suspended for three matches, but the ban was overturned when India threatened to quit the tour in what was a low point in India-Australia cricket relations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Australian player later revealed it took a heavy toll and he began drinking heavily.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His Cricket Australia contract was withdrawn in June 2009 after he was sent home from the World Twenty20 in England following the latest in a series of alcohol-related indiscretions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n