Cricket world in shock over tragic death of Andrew Symonds at 46

The cricket world is mourning the shocking death of Andrew Symonds after the former Aussie star was killed in a car accident on Saturday night.

The 46-year-old died after an accident outside Townsville in northern Queensland.

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The former Test and ODI player was in a single vehicle accident about 10.30pm on Saturday night.

Queensland Police said they are investigating the fatal crash in Hervey Range, about 50 kilometres from Townsville where Symonds lived.

It is believed Symonds was driving up Hervey Range Road when his car left the road and rolled.

Police said paramedics attempted to revive Symonds but he died at the scene.

According to News Corp, Symonds' family released a statement "confirming his passing, and appreciated peoples' sympathy and best wishes, and asked that their privacy be respected".

He is survived by wife Laura and children Chloe and Billy.

Symonds played 26 Test matches for Australia, as well as 198 one-day internationals and 14 Twenty20 internationals.

The Queenslander scored 5088 runs at ODI level at an average of 39.75, while also taking 133 wickets.

He was a key member of ODI teams that won back-to-back World Cups in 2003 and 2007.

At Test level he scored 1462 runs at 40.61, taking 24 wickets.

In recent years he worked as a TV commentator for Fox Sports and was a regular on the microphone for Big Bash League broadcasts.

Cricket world in shock over Andrew Symonds' death

The devastating news comes at a tragic time for Australian cricket after the deaths of fellow greats Shane Warne and Rod Marsh earlier this year.

Tributes have been pouring in around the world after the awful news.

"Unfortunately I've been here too often this year under these circumstances. I actually can't quite believe it, to be honest," former Australia captain Mark Taylor said on Channel Nine.

"Another tragic day for cricket."

Fellow former Aussie captain Allan Border said: "He hit the ball a long way and just wanted to entertain. He was, in a way, a little bit of an old-fashioned cricketer.

"He was an adventurer. Loved his fishing, he loved hiking, camping.

"People liked his very laid-back style.

"He lived in Townsville. When I spoke to him, I think he still had a hundred head of cattle he used to muster.

"Symo away from the cameras and away from the spotlight, loved, I think, a bit of solitude and that is why he loved his fishing. Loved his own time."

Former teammate Adam Gilchrist tweeted "This really hurts", while Jason Gillespie wrote: "Horrendous news to wake up to. Utterly devastated. We are all gonna miss you mate."

Kent County Cricket Club, where Symonds played in the UK, wrote on Twitter: "The Club is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former overseas star and cult hero, Andrew Symonds.

"The thoughts of everyone at Kent Cricket are with Roy's family and friends at this desperately sad time."

Pakistani great Shoaib Akhtar wrote: "Devastated to hear about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car crash in Australia.

"We shared a great relationship on and off the field. Thoughts and prayers with the family."

Former AFL player and radio host Ryan Fitzgerald tweeted: "Tragic. Loved the way Roy went about life and particularly his cricket. Loyal and passionate," tweeted

Cricket writer Peter Lalor wrote: "Terrible, terrible news."

with AAP

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