Andrew Symonds will forever be fondly remembered as a real character, and that shone through in his final text to Steve Crawley - the boss of Fox Sports, where the former Australia star worked as a commentator.
The cricket world continues to mourn the death of the former batting all-rounder, who passed away aged just 46 this past weekend following a tragic car accident. The star was a livewire on the field but off it, he had a great sense of humour.
And according to the Courier Mail , Symonds sent a message to Crawley, which was reported to have contained a snapshot of news regarding Tom Brady’s salary - with the NFL great reported to be getting paid a staggering $540million over 10 years to work as a commentator for Fox in the US. This prompted Symonds to say to Crawley: ”Crawls, we need to talk. Roy.”
Following his death, the head of the sports channel shared a touching tribute to his former employee. “When he first started doing a bit of commentary towards the end of his playing days, he said he'd commentate for us if our kids could sit with him while he did it,” he said. “He wasn't doing that for himself. He made their day.”
Meanwhile Nathan Lyon, one of Australia’s greatest bowlers, also shared a chilling chat he had with Symonds at the memorial for Shane Warne, who passed away in March. “I am heartbroken by the news we all woke up too this morning,” the 34-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“It was only 2 months ago at Warnie's memorial service, Roy and I had a good chat and both agreed it was to young to leave us… now this! RIP mate, a true legend of the game we love and inspiration to so many! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, kids and friends!”
Symonds’ international career was over by the time Lyon had burst onto the scene, but the pair were both friends with Warne. The likes of Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar have posted tributes to their former team-mate following his death.
“If Roy shook your hand you had his word,” said Ponting. “That’s the sort of bloke he was and that's why I always wanted him on my team. An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Tendulkar played with the Aussie star during the 2011 Indian Premier League season with Mumbai Indians. “Andrew Symonds’ demise is shocking news for all of us to absorb. Not only was he a brilliant all-rounder, but also a live-wire on the field,” the cricket legend wrote. "I have fond memories of the time we spent together in Mumbai Indians. May his soul rest in peace, condolences to his family & friends.”
Affectionately known as ‘Roy’ or ‘Simmo’, the hard-hitting middle order batsman played 26 tests and 198 ODI’s for his country. He scored the first of his two test centuries during the 2006 Boxing Day Ashes Test and played a pivotal role in his side’s two ODI World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007.
