If Andrew Symonds Shook Your Hand You Had His Word – Ricky Ponting

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Andrew Symonds was an extraordinary player after latter’s demise on Saturday (May 14) night.

Symonds died at the age of 46 in a car accident about 50 kilometers outside Townsville, a coastal city in northeastern part of Queensland state in Australia.

“Early information indicates, shortly after 11pm the car was being driven on Hervey Range Road, near Alice River Bridge when it left the roadway and rolled,” the Queensland police statement confirmed.

“Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries,” the statement further said.

Andrew Symonds’  international career

Symonds played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20 International matches for the Australian national team in an international career, that spanned over a decade (1998-2009).

Symonds scored 6887 runs across all formats, averaging 40.27 in 238 international matches. He also picked 165 wickets in his career.

Symonds was part of Ponting’s victorious Australia in the 2003 and 2007 World Cup. In a match against Pakistan in the 2003 WC in Johannesburg, Symonds tore apart a formidable Pakistan bowling attack comprising Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.

The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 143 off 125 balls, his innings was laced by 18 fours and two sixes, striking at 114.

If Andrew Symonds shook your hand you had his word: Ricky Ponting

Ponting, who is currently coaching Delhi Capitals in India in IPL 2022, mentioned the reason for having Symonds in his triumphant team and gave condolences to his former teammate’s family.

“If Roy (Symonds) 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,” Ponting tweeted.

“An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts are with his family at this time,” he further wrote.

Symonds retired from all formats of cricket in 2012 and became a regular member in broadcasting for Australia’s international games and Big Bash League (BBL).

He played for Surrey, now-defunct team Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in domestic competitions in India and England.

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar Recalls MI Memories With Andrew Symonds In A Heartfelt Goodbye