Cricket legends gather to farewell Andrew Symonds

Cricket legends joined family and friends in a private ceremony to farewell cricket superstar Andrew Symonds in Townsville on Friday, May 27.

Approximately 250 people attended the private funeral at Townsville’s Riverway Stadium, to offer a final goodbye to the late cricketing icon. Symonds’ casket arrived at the stadium decorated with flowers, a series of hats, a cricket bat, and a crab pot.

Symonds’ wife Laura and their two children were joined by guests and fellow cricketing greats Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath. Guests consoled each other as they began arriving for the service.

Former Australian cricket captain Adam Gilchrist became emotional while talking to reporters following the service.

“I literally can’t believe he is gone, nor could anyone that was at that service today,” he said.

“It was full of sadness but such wonderful, beautiful memories of a guy that gave so much of himself to so many people, unconditionally.”

While former Australian cricket captain Ricky Pointing reflected on Symonds’ “commitment to the team, to friendship to mateship, loyal almost to a fault, his mischievous character”.

Ian Healy, Adam Gilchrist, Darren Lehmann and Ricky Ponting share their memories of Andrew Symonds @abcnews pic.twitter.com/GN9HSeAGGr

— Zilla Gordon (@ZillaGordon) May 27, 2022

A public memorial was also held at Riverway Stadium later in the afternoon on Friday, May 27.

While a number of heartfelt tributes were shared during the service just as many flooded social media following the news that Symonds’ had died in a car crash on May 14 just outside of Townsville.

Cricket Australia Chair Lachlan Henderson said, “Australian cricket has lost another of its very best”.

“He was a cult figure to many who was treasured by his fans and friends,” Henderson said in a statement.

“On behalf of Australian cricket our deepest sympathies are with Andrew’s family, team-mates, and friends.”

Vale Andrew Symonds.

We are shocked and saddened by the loss of the loveable Queenslander, who has tragically passed away at the age of 46. pic.twitter.com/ZAn8lllskK

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) May 15, 2022

Former cricketer Jason Gillespie said the passing of Symonds was “horrendous news to wake up to”.

Horrendous news to wake up to.
Utterly devastated. We are all gonna miss you mate.☹️ #RIPRoy

— Jason Gillespie ???? (@dizzy259) May 14, 2022

Fox Sports Australia commentator Andrew Voss was left in “absolute shock” over the passing of Symonds.

In absolute shock. Andrew Symonds Rest in Peace. Love and support to all his family and friends.

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) May 14, 2022

The popular all-rounder was a key figure in Australia’s World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007. He played 26 test matches and 198 One Day Internationals.

His passing is another tragic blow for Australian cricket after Shane Warne and Rod Marsh passed away earlier this year.

Symonds is survived by his wife Laura and two children Chloe and Billy.