Former Lancashire and Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds dies in car crash

Tributes are being paid to former Australia and Lancashire cricket star Andrew Symonds, who has died in a car crash aged 46. Police say they are investigating the single-vehicle accident that occurred in Queensland at 11pm on Saturday night (May 14).

Symonds, who was born in Birmingham before moving down under at a young age, played 26 Tests, 198 one-day internationals and 14 T20s for Australia and won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007. He played at Old Trafford with Lancashire in the 2005 season.

The all-rounder's death was confirmed in a statement from Cricket Australia. It read: “We are shocked and saddened by the loss of the loveable Queenslander, who has tragically passed away at the age of 46.”

READ MORE: Trapped in their homes and 'just used to the violence': Life on the streets where folk are scared to go out

Symonds - who also had spells in county cricket with Kent, Gloucestershire and Surrey - was known especially for his ferocious hitting in the middle order. He compiled eight centuries during his career, including a score of 156 in the Boxing Day Ashes Test against England in 2006.

Former international team-mates Andrew Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann were among many to pay tribute to Symonds. Former wicketkeeper Gilchrist tweeted crying and heartbreak emojis followed by the simple message: “This really hurts. #roy #rip”

Meanwhile, Lehmann wrote on Twitter: “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.” West Indies great Brian Lara was among many from the cricketing world to share their sadness at the news.

The 53-year-old tweeted: “We exchanged messages just hours ago… what’s really