Remembering Andrew Symonds: His top 5 knocks in international cricket
The sudden demise of Australia’s legendary all-rounder Andrew Symonds has shocked the cricketing world. The 46-year-old died in a car accident, leaving behind his wife Laura and two children, Chloe and Billy. Symonds was a team player throughout his career, and there were several times when he came through for the team, then be it with his excellent knocks with the bat or critical breakthroughs with the ball.
On that note, let us have a look at some of the finest performances in his international career.
5. 143 runs vs Pakistan
This was the knock when Symonds announced his arrival at the international arena. Australia were suffering at 86/4 against Pakistan, but the right-handed hitter stepped into bat and displayed no jitters, helping his team achieve 310/8 in 50 overs. Symonds scored 143 runs including 18 fours and two sixes in his undefeated innings.
4. 162 runs vs India
This Sydney Test match is still remembered by many because of the infamous monkeygate incident as Symonds and Harbhajan Singh confronted each other in a heated argument. Symonds was instrumental in the hosts’ triumph against India. He walked in to bat when his side was struggling at 134/6 and changed the fate of the game by scoring 162 not out to propel his team to a miraculous victory.
3. 156 runs vs England
Symonds had received an opportunity to make his way into the Test squad after Damien Martyn announced retirement. Australia were reeling at 84/5 in the MCG Test, but Symonds teamed up with Matthew Hayden and saved the hosts from a grave situation. Symonds smashed 156 runs, and put up a brilliant 279-runs partnership for the sixth wicket which helped his team win the Ashes 4-0.
2. 151 vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka were on the verge of clinching the series by 3-0 as they had given a terrible time to Australia, reducing them to 10/3 in the third over. Symonds changed the course of the game as he dominated the Sri Lankan attack, hitting 151 from 127 balls, including three sixes, He stitched a critical partnership with Ricky Ponting (124) as the duo’s innings proved vital in the hosts managing 368/5 before winning the game. Symonds also bagged two wickets to bag the player of the match award.
1. 72 runs & 3-50 vs South Africa
It was not a dream start for Symonds as he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings against South Africa. However, he made a brilliant comeback with the ball as he returned with 3/50. A powerful show with the ball provided Symonds with the much-needed confidence as he went on to score 72 in the second innings, leading Australia to victory.
