'Utterly devastated': Cricket world pays tribute to Andrew Symonds

Symonds' sudden death triggered an outpouring of emotional tributes in the cricketing world with a host of past and present players, including his Australian teammates and international stars, expressing shock and disbelief at the tragic news. From former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and pacer Jason Gillespie to India's Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar, tributes poured in for the flamboyant all-rounder, who died in a car accident on Saturday night in Queensland.

Read AlsoFlamboyant Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds dies in car accident

Former Australian Test cricketer and two-time World Cup winner Andrew Symonds has died following a car accident in Queensland, Cricket Australia confirmed on Sunday. Police said the accident occurred in Hervey Range, 50 km from Townsville on Saturday night. The car Symonds was driving left the road

Symonds, who was lovingly known as 'Roy', was 46 and is survived by his wife and two young children. "Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That's Roy," Gilchrist, who was part of the World Cup 2003 squad, wrote on his Twitter handle. "This really hurts."

Gillespie, who also played alongside Symonds, tweeted: "Horrendous news to wake up to. Utterly devastated. We are all gonna miss you mate."

Another member of Australia's 2003 World Cup squad, Michael Bevan wrote: "Heartbreaking. Aussie cricket losing another hero. Stunned.Co-team members 2003 World Cup. Amazing talent. RIP SIMMO."

Former Australian pacer Damen Fleming was also left devastated by the tragic news. "This is so devastating. Roy was so much fun to be around. This is so devastating. Roy was So much fun to be around Our Thoughts are with Symonds family #RIPRoy," Fleming wrote.

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