Andrew Symonds' wife speaks out after Aussie cricket great's death

Andrew Symonds' devastated wife has spoken out after the Aussie cricket great's tragic death.

Symonds died late on Saturday night in a single-vehicle car accident near his home in Hervey Range, about 50km from Townsville in northern Queensland.

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Queensland Police said they're investigating the accident, which occurred just before midnight.

"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," police said in a statement.

"Emergency services attempted to revive the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, however, he died of his injuries."

Symonds' wife Laura has since spoken to the Courier Mail to express her devastation for herself and their two children Chloe and Billy.

“We are still in shock - I’m just thinking of the two kids," she said.

“He was such a big person and there is just so much of him in his kids.’’

Laura described Symonds as “an extremely chilled operator” who “always had time for everyone”.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chair Lachlan Henderson said: "Australian cricket has lost another of its very best.

"Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia's success at World Cups and as part of Queensland's rich cricket history.

"He was a cult figure to many who was treasured by his fans and friends.

"On behalf of Australian cricket our deepest sympathies are with Andrew's family, teammates, and friends."

Symonds' death comes just months after fellow Aussie greats Shane Warne and Rod Marsh died within 24 hours after each other in March.

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

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

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

Symonds finished his twin World Cup campaigns with two winners' medals, an average of 103, a strike rate of 93.29 and the adulation of fans around the world.

"I think it's the fear factor he puts into the opposition because he can clear the boundary on a regular basis," former Australian captain Ian Chappell said of Symonds.

"He is going to create some run outs for you. He'll take a blinding catch and he has been very, very tidy with the ball now for a long time."

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

The Queenslander was also a brilliant fielder, renowned for pulling off a spectacular run out or outrageous catch just when his team needed it.

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

"He was an adventurer. Loved his fishing, he loved hiking, camping," Border said of Symonds.

"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."

with AAP

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