Andrew Symonds

One of Symonds' birth parents was of an Afro-Caribbean background, while the other was believed to be of Scandinavian descent.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/cricket/dreadlock-holiday-for-rasta-roy/2007/04/06/1175366479070.html|title=Dreadlock holiday for Rasta Roy|access-date=1 September 2008 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald}} Symonds was adopted by parents Ken and Barbara at three months of age, and they moved to Australia when he was a toddler.{{cite web|url=http://www.wandererscricket.com/roy_earlyears.html|title=Andrew Symonds – his early years of development at Wanderers Cricket (Wanderers website)|access-date=14 October 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071016043333/http://www.wandererscricket.com/roy_earlyears.html| archive-date= 16 October 2007 | url-status= live}} He had three siblings. His sister, Louise Symonds, who was also adopted, was a contestant on the Australian Gladiators television series in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://cricketforever.weebly.com/andrew-symonds.html |title=Andrew Symonds |work=Cricket Forever |access-date=16 May 2022}} He spent the early part of his childhood in Charters Towers, northern Queensland, where his father taught at the private All Souls St Gabriels School, which Symonds attended.{{cite web|url=http://www.allsouls.qld.edu.au/_news/2003/PR_3.pdf |title=The Official Newsletter of All Souls St Gabriels School, 21 February 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227235539/http://www.allsouls.qld.edu.au/_news/2003/PR_3.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2008 }} He showed sporting prowess from a very early age. "Dad was cricket mad," Symonds said. "He'd throw balls to me five or six days a week, before school, after school. And we'd play all sorts of games inside the house with ping-pong balls and Christmas decorations."{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21427651-5006011,00.html|title=Roy to the rescue, Daily Telegraph, 25 March 2007 | work=The Sunday Telegraph | first=Jane | last=Hutchinson | date=25 March 2007}} His early junior cricket was played in Townsville for the Wanderers club, with the father-and-son duo making the 270-kilometre return trip sometimes twice a week. In 1988, Symonds' father accepted a deputy headmaster role at All Saints Anglican School,{{cite news| url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/inside-andrew-symonds-life-of-paradise-with-wife-laura-and-their-two-kids/news-story/02f2ae5e3f13a25e74932d71415a5cbd | work=news.com.au | title=Inside Andrew Symonds' life of 'paradise' with wife Laura and their two kids | date=15 May 2022}} and the family subsequently relocated to the Gold Coast when Symonds was 12 years of age.{{cite news| url=https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/local-cricket/former-gold-coast-teammates-of-andrew-symonds-pay-tribute-to-his-inspiring-legacy/news-story/eb7be7006bb514bfb0b056d1fc9e447d | work=Gold Coast Bulletin | title=Andrew Symonds crash: cricketer dies in Townsville accident | date=17 May 2022}} He attended the school{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/15/1044927850160.html | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Nation adopts a timely hero | date=16 February 2003}} and continued his junior cricket at Palm Beach Currumbin.{{cite news| url=https://www.facebook.com/pbccricket/posts/4871394026303588/ | work=Palm Beach Currumbin Cricket Club | title=RIP Andrew Symonds former PBCCC junior | date=14 May 2022}} A few years later, Symonds made his Queensland Premier Cricket debut for the Gold Coast Dolphins as a 15-year-old and hit a remarkable double century in his first game.{{cite news| url=http://www.goldcoastdolphins.com.au/content.aspx?file=13710%7C37130q | work=Gold Coast Dolphins | title=History of the Gold Coast District Cricket Club | date=1 June 2018}}

Symonds was an aggressive right-handed batsman who could also bowl off spin or medium pace, making him a solid all-rounder. He was an exceptional fielder, with a report prepared by ESPNcricinfo in late 2005 showing that since the 1999 Cricket World Cup, he had effected the equal-fifth-most run-outs in One Day International (ODI) cricket of any fieldsman, with the fourth-highest success rate,{{cite web| title = Statistics – Run outs in ODIs | last = Basevi| first = Trevor| url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/224487.html| date= 8 November 2005| access-date =5 February 2007| publisher=ESPNcricinfo| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070319222608/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/224487.html| archive-date= 19 March 2007 | url-status= live}} with Ricky Ponting rating him the best fielder he had seen, and a better and more versatile one than Herschelle Gibbs and Jonty Rhodes because Symonds was taller than them, giving him better defensive coverage range and had greater throw power outside the circle.{{Citation|last=cricket.com.au|title=Ponting's Top Five fielders of all time|date=21 May 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH8KrkRYIQA|access-date=27 November 2017}} He was very agile for his size and weight (medium-heavy build; 187 cm tall), had excellent reflexes, was able to take catches well and had a powerful and accurate throwing arm. His nickname was Roy, shortened from the name Leroy, after a coach from early in his career believed he resembled local Brisbane basketball player Leroy Loggins.[http://graphics.foxsports.com.au/multimedia/0611_fordashes/ashes-player-profile-2.swf Fox Sports Ashes Player Profiles]. Retrieved 27 December 2006 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705112511/http://graphics.foxsports.com.au/multimedia/0611_fordashes/ashes-player-profile-2.swf |date=5 July 2007 }} He was an AIS Australian Cricket Academy scholarship holder in 1994.{{cite book|title=Excellence : the Australian Institute of Sport|year=2002|publisher=Australian Sports Commission|location=Canberra}}

In 1995, after playing in his first season for English county Gloucestershire, Symonds won the Cricket Writer's Club Young Cricketer of the Year award.{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/272128.html|title=Collingwood's rare honour, and 551 and losing|last=Lynch|first=Steve|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=19 July 2009}} Shortly afterwards, Symonds was selected as part of the England A team that was to tour Pakistan in the winter; however, he decided not to go, instead choosing to pursue an international career for Australia. His place on the tour was later taken by Middlesex player Jason Pooley.

Symonds scored more than 5,000 runs and took more than 100 wickets for the Queensland state team.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2022/may/15/andrew-symonds-was-a-born-entertainer-and-a-reluctant-celebrity |title=Andrew Symonds was a born entertainer and a reluctant celebrity |work=The Guardian |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=15 May 2022}} He scored 113 and took four wickets in a losing cause in the final of the 1998–99 Sheffield Shield season,{{cite web|url=https://www.kentcricket.co.uk/profile/andrew-symonds/ |title=Andrew Symonds |work=Kent Cricket |access-date=15 May 2022}} and was named man of the match in the 2002 Pura Cup final after scoring 123 runs and taking six wickets.{{cite web|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/symonds-we-now-have-belief-in-ourselves-a101971/ |title=Symonds: We now have belief in ourselves |work=Kent Online |date=17 April 2002 |access-date=15 May 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pura-cup-2001-02-285507/queensland-vs-tasmania-final-285504/full-scorecard |title=Final, Brisbane, March 22 - 26, 2002, Pura Cup |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}}

Symonds played for four English counties during his career—Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire and Surrey. His first appearance for an English county was with Gloucestershire.{{cite web|url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/20140149.andrew-symonds---queensland-larrikin-known-roy-explosive-batting/|title=Andrew Symonds – the Queensland larrikin known as Roy with explosive batting |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=15 May 2022}} Initially, he was considered an England-qualified player; however, following his first season of county cricket in 1995, he declared that his allegiances lay with Australia when he chose not to tour Pakistan with the England A team.

In August 1995, he hit a record 16 sixes in his unbeaten 254 against Glamorgan at Abergavenny.{{cite book|last1=Frindall|first1=Bill|title=The Wisden Book of Cricket Records|date=1998|publisher=Headline Book Publishing|location=London|isbn=0747222037|pages=146|edition=Fourth}} In doing so, he beat the previous mark set by New Zealand's John R. Reid. Wisden reported that the 16th six "landed on a tennis court about {{convert|20|ft|m}} over the boundary" and "though he was undoubtedly helped by the short boundaries, it would have been a hugely effective innings on any ground in the world". The record was equalled by Graham Napier for Essex against Surrey in 2011, and stood until May 2022 when Ben Stokes hit 17 sixes in an innings for Durham against Worcestershire.{{Cite web |date=6 May 2022 |title=Ben Stokes smashes record 17 sixes as he makes 161 for Durham on his County Championship return |url=https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12149/12606664/ben-stokes-smashes-five-sixes-in-a-row-to-clinch-64-ball-hundred-for-durham-in-county-championship |access-date=15 May 2022 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}} Symonds added four more sixes in the second innings, to beat the old record of 17 in a match, set by Warwickshire's Jim Stewart against Lancashire at Blackpool in 1959.

In July 2005, he signed for Lancashire for the rest of the English season having finished duties as part of Australia's ODI squad.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/cricket/article/lancashire-lifted-by-presence-of-symonds-27lxj988tnz |title=Lancashire lifted by presence of Symonds |work=The Times |access-date=15 May 2022|last1=Hobson |first1=By Richard }} In April 2010, he signed for Surrey to play in the Friends Provident t20 competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/apr/07/andrew-symonds-surrey-australia-overseas |title=Surrey sign Australian Andrew Symonds as second overseas player |work=The Guardian |date=7 April 2010 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

Between 1999 and 2004, Symonds played for Kent. He joined the club as an overseas player for the first time ahead of the 1999 County Championship and was also brought in as an injury replacement for Daryll Cullinan during the 2001 County Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.kentcricket.co.uk/profile/andrew-symonds/|title=Andrew Symonds profile|publisher=Ment Cricket|access-date=16 May 2022}}

He eventually made his mark in T20 cricket which was in its early days during his stint with Kent. He also featured for Kent in the inaugural edition of the 2003 Twenty20 Cup and played an influential knock of an unbeaten 96 runs off just 37 balls with a strike rate of 259.45 against Hampshire in a group stage match. His knock which came at a strike rate of over 250 was a surprise given that T20 cricket was in its very early days. His knock sealed the deal for Kent as the modest target of 146 was reached within just 12 overs.{{Cite web |title=Full Scorecard of Hampshire vs Kent South Group 2003 - Score Report |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/twenty20-cup-2003-124121/kent-vs-hampshire-south-group-129665/full-scorecard |access-date=16 May 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}}

Some of his highlights came on 2 July 2004 when he hit a 43-ball 112 for Kent Spitfires in a Twenty20 Cup match against Middlesex Crusaders.{{cite web|last=Scorecard|first=ESPNcricinfo|title=Kent vs Middlesex 2nd July 2004|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/304790.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=26 July 2012}} He scored 112 in 37 minutes and his century, which came at 34 balls, was the then world record for the fastest ever century in T20 cricket. His record stood for nine years before being surpassed by Chris Gayle, during the 2013 Indian Premier League, who did it in 30 balls.{{Cite web |title=Seven innings that defined Andrew Symonds' career |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andrew-symonds-seven-innings-that-defined-his-career-1315036 |access-date=16 May 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} Symonds' knock comprised a flurry of boundaries including 18 fours and three sixes which came at a strike rate of 260.46 and his knock helped Kent to win the rain-affected match convincingly by seven wickets with 29 balls to spare.

He appeared in 49 first-class matches for Kent, scoring 3,526 runs for the club at an average of 45.20, including 12 centuries, and also taking 65 wickets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andrew-symonds-in-county-cricket-and-that-t20-knock-a-force-of-nature-1315184 |title=A force of nature' - How county cricket remembers Andrew Symonds and that T20 knock |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 May 2022}} He also played in 62 List A matches for Kent, scoring 1,690 runs at an average of 30.17, and took 69 wickets at an average of 21.53.{{Cite web |date=30 June 2020 |title=Legend Of Roy: The Andrew Symonds Story. Wisden Cricket |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/legend-of-roy-the-andrew-symonds-story |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Wisden |language=en-GB}} In 2020, Kent supporters named him as the club's Greatest Overseas Player in the white ball format.{{Cite web |date=15 May 2022 |title=ANDREW SYMONDS. 1975-2022 |url=https://www.kentcricket.co.uk/news/andrew-symonds-1975-2022/ |access-date=15 May 2022 |website=Kent Cricket |language=en}}

In February 2008, Symonds was signed by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Deccan Chargers for US$1,350,000, which made him the second-most-expensive player in the league at that time.{{cite web|url=https://www.siasat.com/hard-hitting-symonds-leaves-cricket-fans-shell-shocked-he-was-once-part-of-deccan-chargers-2327569/|title=Hard hitting Symonds leaves cricket fans shell shocked; he was once part of Deccan Chargers|date=15 May 2022 }} During the 2008 competition, Symonds scored 117 not out from 53 balls against Rajasthan Royals. The Royals ended up winning the game, with Symonds conceding 19 runs from the final over, with 17 required to win.{{Cite news|date=24 April 2008|title=Chargers lose despite Symonds century|language=en-AU|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-04-25/chargers-lose-despite-symonds-century/2415150|access-date=15 May 2022}} Symonds started the third season convincingly, scoring two 50s in his first three games with the side in 2010.{{cite news |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/ipl2010/content/story/452607.html |title=Symonds helps Deccan to first home win |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 March 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100322200532/http://www.cricinfo.com/ipl2010/content/story/452607.html| archive-date= 22 March 2010 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/ipl2010/content/story/451967.html |title=Deccan big guns overwhelm Chennai |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 March 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100317164822/http://www.cricinfo.com/ipl2010/content/story/451967.html| archive-date= 17 March 2010 | url-status= live}} The following year he was contracted by Mumbai Indians for US$850,000.{{cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/mumbai-indians-share-memories-of-andrew-symonds-23227280|title=Mumbai Indians share memories of Andrew Symonds|date=15 May 2022 }}

Although Symonds was originally qualified to play for England due to its being the country of his birth, and West Indies due to his ancestry,{{cite web|url=http://www.sportspundit.com/cricket/cricketers/1900-andrew-symonds|title=Andrew Symonds|website=Sports Pundit|access-date=23 March 2018}} in 1995 he decided that he wished to pursue an international career for Australia instead. His international debut came on 10 November 1998, when he played in a One Day International (ODI) for Australia against Pakistan at Lahore.{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/match/64594.html|title=Scorecard: Pakistan v Australia, 3rd ODI, at Lahore 8 Nov 1998|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=19 July 2009}} As an ODI player, he was known for scoring runs at an excellent strike rate of over 90, with a highest score of 156.{{cite web|url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/20140149.andrew-symonds---queensland-larrikin-known-roy-explosive-batting/ |title=Andrew Symonds – the Queensland larrikin known as Roy with explosive batting |work=The Mail |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022}}

However, at the start of his international career, Symonds struggled to make an impact with the bat and ball, although his fielding was of high quality, and was not a regular member of the playing XI. Symonds was named in Australia's 2003 Cricket World Cup squad.{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-announces-world-cup-squad-113489 |title=Australia announces World Cup squad |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=31 December 2002 |access-date=15 May 2022}} After all-rounder Shane Watson had to withdraw due to injury,{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bevan-still-chance-for-world-cup-128124 |title=Bevan still chance for World Cup |first=Guy |last=Hand |work=ESPNcricinfo |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=26 January 2003 |access-date=15 May 2022}} Shane Warne was sent home after failing a drugs test,{{cite web|url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/day-2003-shane-warne-banned-060000936.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACunWwQr-qxpj1JtlC1HPJhN1fysRYHJhIXSl8LKKPwp8NypzsSCRna5bxiNbOq2PCNRz1rQv35ltyYlRGov1pFm9PE5fqfYJ8RxmCkoM55S4PD6LeqoFxQqixRXU8z7V042AUFV5Jd2PGQdnWVyFlWbzlUGwo8rpbfbxCxZ19AS|title=On This Day 2003: Shane Warne banned for a year by ACB after failing drugs test|date=22 February 2021 }} and with Darren Lehmann still serving a suspension for racial abuse,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/jan/17/cricket.davidhopps|title=Australia's Lehmann on racism charge|website=TheGuardian.com |date=17 January 2003 }} Symonds made his way into the starting XI. According to former England cricketer Adam Hollioake, Symonds would not have made the 2003 World Cup squad if he had not received backing from captain Ponting.{{Cite web |date=15 May 2022 |title=Andrew Symonds death: Five rare and unique facts about the former Australia all-rounder |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/andrew-symonds-death-five-rare-and-unique-facts-about-the-former-australia-allrounder-101652588866953.html |access-date=16 May 2022|website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

In the first match against Pakistan, Symonds scored 143 not out to guide Australia from 4/86 to 8/310 en route to an 82-run victory,{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-cup-2002-03-61124/australia-vs-pakistan-4th-match-65238/full-scorecard |title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 4th Match 2002/03 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}} a performance described by Kanta Murali of The Hindu as "one of the best knocks in one-day cricket history". The innings went on to become the turning point of his career.{{cite news |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/sport/article30216462.ece |title=Lessons from a shock-and-awe final |first=Kanta |last=Murali |work=TheHindu.com |date=11 April 2003 |access-date=15 May 2022}} In the semi-final against Sri Lanka, Symonds top scored with 91 not out and was named Player of the Match, as Australia won by 48 runs.{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-cup-2002-03-61124/australia-vs-sri-lanka-1st-sf-65284/full-scorecard |title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st SF 2002/03 |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}} With Australia's defeat of India in the final, they claimed their third World Cup triumph, becoming the first team to go undefeated in an edition of the tournament.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/cwc2003/hi/newsid_2870000/newsid_2875100/2875135.stm |title=Ruthless Aussies lift World Cup |work=news.BBC.co.uk |date=23 March 2003 |access-date=15 May 2022}} Following this breakthrough, The Age described Symonds "as a true one-day star", who had "become an essential part of the one-day team."{{cite news |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/the-cap-finally-fits-for-symonds-20040221-gdxcqf.html |title=The cap finally fits for Symonds |work=TheAge.com.au |date=21 February 2004 |access-date=16 May 2022}}

He batted in five innings during the victorious 2003 World Cup campaign where he made 326 runs at an average of 163. He was also the third leading runscorer for Australia during the World Cup campaign just behind Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden.{{Cite web |title=ICC World Cup, 2002/03 Cricket Team Records & Stats |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=865&type=tournament |access-date=16 May 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} He remained unbeaten in three of the five innings and his only failure with the bat in the tournament was against England where he was dismissed for a duck.{{Cite web |title=Full Scorecard of England vs Australia 37th Match 2002/03 – Score Report |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-cup-2002-03-61124/australia-vs-england-37th-match-65269/full-scorecard |access-date=16 May 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}}

A tour of the West Indies followed, with Symonds playing all seven ODIs, scoring half-centuries in the third and fifth matches.{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-05-22/australia-takes-a-3-0-lead-in-west-indies-odi/1857564 |title=Australia takes a 3-0 lead in West Indies ODI series |work=ABC.net.au |date=22 May 2003 |access-date=15 May 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-05-26/west-indies-ends-australias-odi-streak/1859588 |title=West Indies ends Australia's ODI streak |work=ABC.net.au |date=26 May 2003 |access-date=15 May 2022}} He ended as Australia's top run scorer in a 4–3 series victory.{{cite web |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=869;type=series |title=Australia in West Indies ODI Series, 2003 Cricket Team Records & Statistics |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-west-indies-2003-61389/west-indies-vs-australia-7th-odi-64826/full-scorecard |title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs West Indies 7th ODI 2003 – Score Report |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}}

In March 2004, Symonds made his Test debut in Australia's tour of Sri Lanka, with the selectors citing his bowling and his power hitting against spin bowlers as "ideal" for the subcontinent conditions. He replaced Simon Katich, who had scored a century and unbeaten fifty in Australia's previous Test.{{cite news |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/02/01/katich-recalls-the-hurt-of-being-dropped-after-making-maiden-test-ton/ |title=Katich Recalls the Hurt of Being Dropped After Scoring Maiden Test Ton |first=Alex |last=Zaia |work=Sen.com.au |date=1 February 2019 |access-date=16 May 2022}} Playing as a batsman, Symonds encountered difficulty against Muttiah Muralitharan on the dusty, spinning Sri Lankan tracks, failing to pass 25 in any of his four innings,{{cite web |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=500;type=series |title=Australia in Sri Lanka Test Series, 2003/04 Cricket Team Records & Stats |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}} and was dropped after two Test matches in favour of Katich.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/mar/28/cricket.australiacricketteam |title=Inspired Langer runs show |first=Herman |last=Miller |work=TheGuardian.com |date=28 March 2004 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

He was recalled in November 2005 for South Africa's tour of Australia, following an injury to Shane Watson, as Australia's search for an all-rounder continued.{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-v-west-indies-2005-06-289076 |title=Australia v West Indies, 2005–06 |first=Peter |last=English |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=15 April 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} After five Tests, with a batting average of 12.62 and a bowling average of 85.00, he was under pressure to retain his place in the team going into the 2005 Boxing Day Test.{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-v-south-africa-2005-06-289081 |title=Australia v South Africa, 2005–06 |first=Neil |last=Manthorp |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=15 April 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} On the first day of the match, he was out caught behind for a golden duck.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4554680.stm |title=Nel gives South Africa advantage |work=news.BBC.co.uk |date=26 December 2005 |access-date=15 May 2022}} But Symonds then took 3/50 in the South African first innings, before hitting 72 off 54 balls in the second innings and taking 2/6 with the ball.{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-tour-of-australia-2005-06-209671/australia-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-226372/full-scorecard |title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs South Africa 2nd Test 2005/06 - Score Report | work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}} For his performances in 2005, he was named in the World ODI XI by the ICC.{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-10-12/kallis-flintoff-share-player-of-the-year-award/2123438 |title=Kallis, Flintoff share player of the year award |author= |work=ABC.net.au |date=11 October 2005 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

File:Cricket pic.jpg

At the 2006 Allan Border Medal count, Symonds would have won the One Day Player of the Year award as he polled the most votes, but was ineligible due to having been suspended because of a drinking binge during the 2005 Ashes tour.{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/ponting-wins-allan-border-medal-again-20060207-gdmx4o.html |title=Ponting wins Allan Border Medal, again |work=SMH.com.au |date=7 February 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

Symonds played every ODI in the tri-nation 2005–06 VB Series. He was named Player of the Match twice in the group stage: once as he hit a half-century in the opening game,{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/vb-series-2005-06-209672/australia-vs-sri-lanka-1st-match-226379/match-report |title=Awesome Australia off to a flier |first=Martin |last=Williamson |work=ESPNcricinfo | date=12 January 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} and then again after scoring 32 and taking three wickets, both in victories over Sri Lanka.{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/vb-series-2005-06-209672/australia-vs-sri-lanka-7th-match-226381/match-report |title=Australia ease to five-wicket victory |first=Peter |last=English |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=26 January 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} He also scored a second half-century, reaching 65 in a win over South Africa.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4664748.stm |title=Easy win for Aussies in Melbourne |work=news.BBC.co.uk |date=3 February 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

Having won six of their eight group stage games, Australia qualified for the best-of-three final, once again facing Sri Lanka, who finished second in the group table.{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/vb-series-2005-06-209672/points-table-standings |title=VB Series 2005/06 Table, Matches, win, loss, points for VB Series |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}} After going down 1–0 in the opening match, Symonds put up 151, including 13 fours and three sixes. He shared a big partnership with Ricky Ponting as Australia recorded 5/368, setting their highest ever ODI score. Symonds was named Player of the Match once again.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4703364.stm |title=Rampant Australia crush Sri Lanka |work=news.BBC.co.uk |date=12 February 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} After Australia secured victory in the third game of the final, Symonds won Player of the Series honours, having scored 389 runs and recorded 11 wickets.{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/vb-series-2005-06-209672/australia-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-final-236963/match-report |title=Gilchrist and Katich seal series |first=Peter |last=English |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=14 February 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} For his performances in 2006, he was named as 12th man in the World ODI XI by the ICC.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-awards/content/story/266801.html|title = Ricky Ponting takes top honours at glittering ICC Awards night|date = 3 November 2006}}

After South Africa's tour of Australia, the teams both headed to South Africa in February 2006 for another series there. Symonds missed the first three ODIs through injury,{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-south-africa-2005-06-212912/south-africa-vs-australia-1st-odi-238196/match-report |title=Smith ton powers South Africa to resurgent win |first=Jenny |last=Thompson |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=26 February 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} but returned in the fourth with a score of 76, to help Australia chase down a score of 246, and tie the series at 2–2.{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-south-africa-2005-06-212912/south-africa-vs-australia-4th-odi-238199/match-report |title=Australia level series in thriller at Durban |first=Will |last=Luke |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=10 March 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} In the fifth and final ODI, Symonds contributed 27* as Australia broke the world record score for an ODI, with 434.{{cite news |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-breaks-record-in-final-20060313-ge1x80.html |title=Australia breaks record in final |work=TheAge.com.au |date=13 March 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} But in what was billed "The greatest the world has seen" by The Sydney Morning Herald, South Africa successfully chased and broke the new world record, setting a new high of 438, with 1 wicket and 1 ball to spare.{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/the-greatest-the-world-has-seen-20060314-gdn5al.html |title=The greatest the world has seen |first=Alex |last=Brown |work=SMH.com.au |date=14 March 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

While batting in the second Test of the tour, Symonds was struck in the face of his helmet by a bouncer off Makhaya Ntini. Symonds required four stitches on the inside of his upper lip.{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/symonds-linked-to-club-confrontation-20060327-gdn8xi.html |title=Symonds linked to club confrontation |first=Alex |last=Brown |work=SMH.com.au |date=27 March 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} After scoring just 101 runs and claiming one wicket in the three Test series,{{cite web |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=2703;type=series |title=Australia in South Africa Test Series, 2005/06 Cricket Team Records & Stats – Most Runs |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=2703;type=series |title=Australia in South Africa Test Series, 2005/06 Cricket Team Records & Stats – Most Wickets |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 May 2022}} Symonds found himself dropped from the Test team for the subsequent tour of Bangladesh, with Michael Clarke taking his place.{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-04-08/symonds-dumped-from-test-team/1726824 |title=Symonds dumped from Test team |work=ABC.net.au |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=8 April 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

Following the retirement of Damien Martyn during the 2006–07 Ashes, Symonds was again recalled to the team.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101905024/martyn-exit-opens-the-ashes-door-for/ |title=Martyn exit opens the Ashes door for Symonds |first=Angus |last=Fraser |author-link=Angus Fraser |page=50 |newspaper=The Independent |date=12 December 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Although he scored just 26 and 2 in his first Test back, he retained his place in the team for the second match.{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-unchanged-for-melbourne-273333 |title=Australia unchanged for Melbourne |author= |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=19 December 2006 |access-date=15 May 2022}} In the Boxing Day Test, Symonds arrived at the crease with Australia at 5/84.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/symonds-matures-with-help-from-his-mate-274060 |title=Symonds matures with help from his mate |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}} After a slow start to his innings he proceeded to score his maiden Test century, combining with Matthew Hayden to put on a 279 run partnership and bringing up the century with a six. Symonds was finally dismissed for 156.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-australia-2006-07-227733/australia-vs-england-4th-test-249225/match-report |title=England routed inside three days |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}}

File:AndySymonds.jpg

Although selected in Australia's 15-member World Cup squad{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tait-and-haddin-in-world-cup-squad-280166 |title=Tait and Haddin in World Cup squad |author= |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=13 February 2007 |access-date=15 May 2022}} he was unavailable for selection for the first few matches because he ruptured his biceps while batting against England on 2 February 2007 in the Commonwealth Bank Tri Series.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101905574/ponting-opens-door-to-finals-for-england/ |title=Ponting opens door to finals for England |first=Simon |last=Briggs |work=The Daily Telegraph |page=S30 |date=5 February 2007 |access-date=15 May 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Surgery was performed and Symonds underwent extensive physical rehabilitation.{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/02/03/cricket.symonds/index.html |title=All-rounder Symonds needs surgery |work=CNN.com |date=3 February 2007 |access-date=15 May 2022}} As a result, he missed the remainder of that tournament as well as the Chappell–Hadlee Trophy in New Zealand, while Australia suffered their longest losing streak in over a decade.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/feb/21/cricket.sport |title=Australia deny they are in crisis after Kiwi whitewash |first=Peter |last=English |work=TheGuardian.com |date=21 February 2007 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

Symonds remarkably made a relatively quick recovery after returning for Australia's win in their last preliminary World Cup match against South Africa.{{cite web|url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/284369.html|title=Symonds starts to throw|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=23 March 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.cricinfo.com/cricinfoselect/archives/2007/03/most_open_tournament_yet_held.php|title=ESPNcricinfo – Cricket Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Fixtures, Results, Tables|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=23 March 2018}} Australia reached the final, where they faced Sri Lanka. In a rain-affected game, shortened to 38/36 overs per side, Symonds scored 23 not out during Australia's innings,{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/current/match/247507.html|title=Scorecard: Australia v Sri Lanka, World Cup 2007 Final|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=19 July 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090624015115/http://www.cricinfo.com/wc2007/engine/current/match/247507.html| archive-date= 24 June 2009 | url-status= live}} and bowled the final ball of the tournament to seal victory in a contest that concluded in near-total darkness.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/apr/30/cricket.cricketworldcup20071 |title=Official fumbling in the dark takes the shine off Australia's triumph |first=Mike |last=Selvey |work=TheGuardian.com |date=30 April 2007 |access-date=15 May 2022}}

{{Main|Second Test, 2007–08 Border–Gavaskar Trophy}}

In 2007, crowds at the One Day Series in Vadodara, Nagpur and Mumbai were seen to offend Symonds with monkey chants. After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially denied the incident at Vadodara took place (claiming it was a confusion with worshipping Hanuman the monkey god), further incidents occurred at the other grounds in the series.{{cite news|url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22604344-5001505,00.html|title = India makes monkey of racism row|work = The Australian|access-date =18 October 2007|first1=Peter|last1=Lalor|date=18 October 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019004522/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22604344-5001505,00.html|archive-date=19 October 2007}}{{cite web|url = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/pakvrsa/content/story/315135.html |title = Symonds subjected to 'monkey chants'|work = CrinInfo|access-date =12 October 2007 }}

During the subsequent Sri Lankan tour of Australia in late 2007, Symonds had good form with the bat but suffered an ankle injury, which ruled him out for the remainder of the Test series.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/hayden-and-symonds-eye-comebacks-323452 |title=Hayden and Symonds eye comebacks |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}} He then returned for 2007–08 Australia–India series.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-australia-2007-08-291320/australia-vs-india-1st-test-291351/match-preview |title=Australia all set for MCG dominance |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}}

File:Andrew symonds.jpg

During the second Test against India on 2 January 2008, Symonds completed his second Test century. He came to the crease with Australia struggling at 119/4. After his initial partners, Michael Clarke (1) and then Adam Gilchrist (7), were dismissed in quick succession, Australia found themselves in dire shape at 134/6. Symonds and Brad Hogg then put on a record 7th wicket partnership at the Sydney Cricket Ground (also a record for Australia vs. India) of 173 until Hogg was dismissed for 79. At stumps on the first day, Symonds was not out on 137, and Australia 376/7. By the end of the innings, Symonds finished on 162 not out, when the Australians were finally bowled out for 463. He further went on to score 62 not out in the second innings.{{cite web|url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ausvind/engine/current/match/291352.html|title=Border-Gavaskar Trophy – 2nd Test 2007/08|access-date=2 January 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080103082020/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ausvind/engine/current/match/291352.html| archive-date= 3 January 2008 | url-status= live}} In January 2008, Indian spin bowler Harbhajan Singh received a three-match ban after a complaint that he had racially abused Symonds during the third day of the Second Test at the SCG. It was alleged that Harbhajan called Symonds a "monkey" after Symonds confronted him over touching fellow Australian player Brett Lee. The case was decided by the match referee, Mike Procter, in a hearing held after the match.{{cite web

| last =Vaidyanathan

| first =Siddhartha

| title = Harbhajan gets three-match ban

| publisher=ESPNcricinfo

| date =6 January 2008

| url =http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/329440.html

| access-date =6 January 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080109165832/http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/329440.html| archive-date= 9 January 2008 | url-status= live}}

On 29 January 2008, after the hearing of the appeal, at Adelaide by ICC appeals commissioner John Hansen, the racism charge on Harbhajan Singh was not proved and the three Test ban was lifted. However, a lesser charge (Level 2.8 offence) of using abusive language was applied and Harbhajan was fined 50% of his match fee. Hansen later admitted that he "could have imposed a more serious penalty if he was made aware by the ICC of the bowler's previous transgressions"—including a suspended one Test Match ban. The ICC claimed the "database and human errors ... played a part in Harbhajan Singh escaping a more severe penalty during his appeal hearing in Adelaide".{{cite web

| title = ICC accepts blame for 'human and database errors'

| publisher=ESPNcricinfo

| date = 31 January 2008

| url = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/334306.html

| access-date =29 January 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080202012853/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/story/334306.html| archive-date= 2 February 2008 | url-status= live}}

Hansen also criticised Symonds in his report accusing him of swearing at Harbhajan after a friendly gesture by the Indian bowler towards Brett Lee. It was also reported that senior players had written a letter to John Hansen requesting a downgrading of the charge. The letter was signed by Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting and counter-signed by Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden and Symonds.{{cite web

|last=Doshi

|first=Anjali

|title=Racism charge against Harbhajan dropped

|publisher=NDTV.com

|date=29 January 2008

|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtvcricket/cricketstory.aspx?id=SPOEN20080039729&site=ndtv

|access-date=29 January 2008

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201064853/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtvcricket/cricketstory.aspx?id=SPOEN20080039729&site=ndtv

|archive-date=1 February 2008

|url-status=dead

}}{{cite press release | title=Harbhajan Singh cleared of racism charges |publisher=ICC |date=29 January 2008 |url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/current/story/333986.html |access-date=29 January 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080130082450/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ausvind/content/current/story/333986.html| archive-date= 30 January 2008 | url-status= live}} The stump microphone audio was removed immediately after the alleged incident between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds was released by Channel Nine.{{cite news

| last =The Australian

| title = Transcript: What was said

| publisher=News Limited

| date =29 January 2008

| url =http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23128511-5001505,00.html.html

| access-date =29 January 2008

| url-status = dead

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080206082752/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23128511-5001505,00.html.html

| archive-date = 6 February 2008}}

In his 2013 autobiography At the Close of Play, Ricky Ponting expressed his disillusionment with Cricket Australia for failing to support Symonds, who, though the victim of abuse, was painted as a villain. Daniel Brettig notes how, "duly disillusioned", Symonds "drifted from the game via a series of disciplinary problems".{{cite web|last=Bretting|first=Daniel|title=Ponting moves on from Monkeygate|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/681213.html|access-date=22 October 2013}}

During the second final of the 2007–08 Commonwealth Bank Series against India on 4 March 2008, Symonds shoulder charged a male streaker who had entered the playing arena. Symonds, who had once considered a career in rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos,{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/03/04/1204402461316.html|title=Symonds hits a streaker for six – Cricket – Sport – smh.com.au|website=www.smh.com.au|date=5 March 2008|access-date=23 March 2018}} may have faced assault charges had the man taken legal action.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/05/2180075.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308100913/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/05/2180075.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 March 2008|title=Symonds in hot water for dropping streaker|date=5 March 2008|website=abc.net.au|access-date=23 March 2018}}

Symonds was set to play for Australia in the August 2008 series against Bangladesh in Darwin, but was sent home to Queensland after missing a team meeting while out fishing. Stand-in captain Michael Clarke told the media that Symonds would have to re-evaluate his desire to represent Australia: "The main concern from us is Andrew's commitment, to playing for this team and, in my opinion and I know the rest of the leadership team's opinion, you need to be committed 100 per cent."{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvbdesh/content/story/366892.html|title=Symonds sent home after going fishing|last=Coverdale|first=Brydon|date=30 August 2008|work=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=6 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090608053126/http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvbdesh/content/story/366892.html| archive-date= 8 June 2009 | url-status= live}} As a further punishment for his misadventure, Symonds was not selected for the Australian tour of India in October 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/symonds-recalled-as-watson-left-to-fight-with-krejza-378782|title=Symonds recalled as Watson left to fight with Krejza|date=19 November 2008 |work=ESPNcricinfo |publisher=ESPN |access-date=15 May 2022}}

After Australia lost the test series in India 2–0, Symonds was recalled for the Test series against New Zealand in November 2008. He did not play any significant role in the first Test, which Australia won. After the Test, on 22 November, Symonds was reported to have been involved in a pub brawl with another patron who had attempted to hug him and have his photo taken with the cricketer. He was subsequently cleared by Cricket Australia to play in the second test.{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/379406.html|title=Symonds involved in pub incident|date=24 November 2008|work=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=6 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090607095111/http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/379406.html| archive-date= 7 June 2009 | url-status= live}} He then played in the first two tests of the next series against South Africa but performed poorly and was omitted from the team for the third test due to injury; at the same time, many critics called for his omission on performance grounds. Nonetheless, for his performances in 2008, he was named in the World ODI XI by the ICC.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/369272.html|title=Ponting leads ODI Team of Year}}

In January 2009, Symonds gave an interview with sports comedians Roy & HG, in which he made remarks about the acquisition of New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum by the New South Wales Blues to play in the KFC Twenty20 final against Victoria despite McCullum's not having played at all for the Blues previously. Sounding intoxicated, Symonds called McCullum a "lump of shit"{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/809428/Symonds-apologises-to-McCullum-over-spray |title=Symonds apologises to McCullum over spray |work=Stuff |date=February 2009 |access-date=16 May 2022}} declaring that having dinner at the home of teammate Matthew Hayden was enjoyable because he could glance at Hayden's wife.{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/symonds-in-trouble-for-bad-mouthing-mccullum/414812/ |title=Symonds in trouble for bad mouthing McCullum |work=The Indian Express |access-date=16 May 2022}} The interview led to his being charged with violating the Cricket Australia code of conduct. Following a hearing with general manager Michael Brown, he was fined $4,000, instructed to work with a psychologist, and indefinitely barred from selection until he was deemed to have been successfully rehabilitated.{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/388190.html|title=Symonds fined $4000 for McCullum comments|date=29 January 2009|work=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=6 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090607095115/http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/388190.html| archive-date= 7 June 2009 | url-status= live}}

In the meantime Symonds continued to play for Queensland, but was not selected by Australia, missing three five-match series against South Africa, New Zealand and South Africa respectively. He was finally recalled in April to play ODIs against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates,{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/pakvaus2009/content/story/400805.html|title=Comeback chance for Shoaib and Symonds|last=Rajesh|first=S.|date=21 April 2009|work=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=6 June 2009}}

but was not selected for the 2009 Ashes series, with young all-rounders Shane Watson, Andrew McDonald and Marcus North being preferred.{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/content/story/405088.html|title=McDonald in, Symonds out of Ashes squad|last=Brown|first=Alex|date=20 May 2009|work=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=6 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090615215051/http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/content/story/405088.html| archive-date= 15 June 2009 | url-status= live}}

In early June 2009, Symonds was sent home from the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in England following "an alcohol-related incident".{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/407597.html|title=Australia ready for life without Symonds|date=5 June 2009|work=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=6 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090608070411/http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/407597.html| archive-date= 8 June 2009 | url-status= live}} Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland called a press conference to announce Symonds' dismissal, which marked the end of his international cricket career. His Cricket Australia contract was also reviewed{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25588931-5013759,00.html|title=Symonds kicked out of camp|work=Fox Sports|access-date=4 June 2009}} and later cancelled.

In June 2009, Symonds told Channel Nine's Sixty Minutes that he was not an alcoholic but a binge-drinker. "I go out and drink hard all in one hit – too fast, too much", he said.Quoted in Booth, Lawrence. "Myths; And stereotypes." The Spin, 30 June 2009.

;Tests

Debut: Against Sri Lanka at Galle, 2003–04{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-sri-lanka-2003-04-61414/sri-lanka-vs-australia-1st-test-64071/full-scorecard |title=1st Test, Galle, March 08 - 12, 2004, Australia tour of Sri Lanka |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}}

• Best Test bowling figures: 3/50 (vs South Africa, Melbourne, MCG, 2005–06).{{cite web|url=https://www.mcc.org.au/whats-on/latest-news/2022/may/vale-andrew-symonds |title=Vale Andrew Symonds |work=Melbourne Cricket Club |access-date=16 May 2022}}
• Best Test batting score: 162 not out (India, Sydney, SCG, 3 January 2008).{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andrew-symonds-seven-innings-that-defined-his-career-1315036 |title=Seven innings that defined Andrew Symonds' career |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}}

;One Day Internationals

Debut: Against Pakistan, Lahore, 1998–99{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-pakistan-1998-99-61394/pakistan-vs-australia-3rd-odi-64594/full-scorecard |title=3rd ODI, Lahore, November 10, 1998, Australia tour of Pakistan |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}}

• Best ODI bowling figures: 5/18 (Bangladesh, Manchester, Old Trafford, 2005){{cite web|url=https://crickettimes.com/2022/05/heres-why-andrew-symonds-was-popularly-called-as-roy/ |title=Here's why Andrew Symonds was popularly called as 'Roy' |work=Cricket Times |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022}}
• Best ODI batting score: 156 (New Zealand, Wellington, Westpac Stadium, 7 December 2005){{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/hayden-backs-symonds-to-deliver-in-tests-229037 |title=Hayden backs Symonds to deliver in Tests |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=16 May 2022}}

;Records and achievements

Symonds previously held the world records for the most sixes hit during a first-class innings (16) and during a first-class match (20), both set while playing for Gloucestershire against Glamorgan as a 20-year-old. His first innings score was 254 not out.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/61431264 |title=County Championship: Surrey break first-class record in making 671-9 at Kent |work=BBC Sport |access-date=13 May 2022}}

At the time of his death, Symonds was one of only 22 players to have scored over 5,000 runs and taken more than 100 wickets in ODI cricket and one of only three Australians to have done so.{{Cite web |title=Andrew Symonds: A look at incredible numbers & achievements of one of the greatest modern-day all-rounders |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/andrew-symonds-a-look-at-incredible-numbers-achievements-of-one-of-the-greatest-modern-day-all-rounder-article-91577343 |access-date=16 May 2022|website=TimesNow |date=15 May 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=15 May 2022 |title=A look at Andrew Symonds' prominent records and achievements |url=https://www.crictracker.com/a-look-at-andrew-symonds-prominent-records-and-achievements/ |access-date=16 May 2022|website=CricTracker |language=en}} His batting average of 100 runs per inning in World Cup matches was also the highest of any player in that competition.{{Cite web |title=Andrew Symonds: A tale of two World Cups |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2620000 |access-date=16 May 2022|website=www.icc-cricket.com |language=en}}

In 2007, he was named as an all-rounder in Australia's all-time "greatest ODI team".{{cite web

| url = http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C02%5C28%5Cstory_28-2-2007_pg2_4

| title = Australia names greatest ODI team

| access-date = 1 March 2007

| date = 28 February 2007

| work = Daily Times

| url-status = dead

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070305093047/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C02%5C28%5Cstory_28-2-2007_pg2_4

| archive-date = 5 March 2007

}}

Symonds was a keen supporter of the Brisbane Broncos since childhood and was considering a switch to rugby league in 2002 when his cricket career was faltering.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25922550-5018866,00.html|title=Andrew Symonds not a 'distraction' at training: Ivan Henjak|last=Marshall|first=Matt|publisher=Fox Sports News|date=13 August 2009|access-date=27 June 2010}} On 21 June 2009, he played a game for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls against an all-star team featuring some noted players, including Marcus Bai and Steve Renouf. He also trained with the Brisbane Broncos.{{cite news |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/cricket-andrew-symonds-plays-rugby-league-for-wynnummanly/news-story/6de44e7fb1e8e28b0ba7fa4ded91c5be |title=Cricket Andrew Symonds plays rugby league for Wynnum-Manly |first=Robert |last=Craddock |work=DailyTelegraph.com.au |date=22 June 2009 |access-date=16 May 2022}}

Symonds made a cameo in the 2011 Bollywood movie Patiala House.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/i-have-no-problem-talking-about-bhajji-andrew-symonds/articleshow/11020202.cms |title=I have no problem talking about Bhajji: Andrew Symonds |first=Divya |last=Pal |work=TimesofIndia.IndiaTimes.com |date=8 December 2011 |access-date=16 May 2022}} In 2011, he was a guest contestant on the Indian reality series Bigg Boss.{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/australia/8939922/Andrew-Symonds-to-star-in-Indias-Big-Brother.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/australia/8939922/Andrew-Symonds-to-star-in-Indias-Big-Brother.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | title=Andrew Symonds to feature in Indian Reality Big Brother | date=6 December 2011 | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} Pooja Mishra, who had already been eliminated from the show, returned to act as a translator for Symonds.{{cite news| url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/idiotbox/pooja-misrra-to-re-enter-bigg-boss-5_101642.htm | title=Pooja Misrra to re-enter 'Bigg Boss 5' |work=ZeeNews.india.com | date=7 December 2011 |access-date=16 May 2022}}

Symonds worked as a guest commentator for Big Bash matches between the 2016–17 and 2018–19 seasons.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cricket/aussie-white-ball-legend-andrew-symonds-joins-big-bash-league-commentary-team/news-story/f3b6620f6432247c412868032e38f05f|title=Andrew Symonds Joins Big Bash League Commentary Team|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 October 2016}}

Symonds was killed in a single-vehicle road accident at Hervey Range, outside of Townsville, Queensland, on 14 May 2022, at the age of 46.{{Cite web|last1=Conn|last2=Read|first1=Malcolm|first2=Cloe|date=14 May 2022|title=Cricket world mourns as Andrew Symonds dies in car crash|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/andrew-symonds-dies-in-car-crash-20220515-p5alf4.html|access-date=15 May 2022|website=The Age|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/sports-news-aussie-cricket-legend-andrew-symonds-dies-in-car-crash-3707953.html|title=Andrew Symonds Dies in Car Crash in Queensland|work=LatestLY|date=15 May 2022 |access-date=15 May 2022}} Queensland Police said in a statement that Symonds was driving on Hervey Range Road near the Alice River Bridge when his car left the road and rolled at around 10:30 pm local time. Symonds was the only occupant of the car. Paramedics responded and attempted to revive him, but Symonds was pronounced dead at the scene.{{Cite web|first=Jacob|last=Polychronis|title=BREAKING: Aussie cricket legend Andrew Symonds dies in car crash, aged 46|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/cricket-australia-news-2022-andrew-symonds-dies-in-car-crash-in-queensland-age-cause-of-death/news-story/710c592fd7e90f62e76c4f745144abaf|date=16 May 2022|access-date=16 May 2022|work=Fox Sports}}

A minute's silence was observed at the start of the final day of the match between two of Symonds' former English clubs, Kent and Surrey, which was taking place when he died.{{Cite web |title='A force of nature' - How county cricket remembers Andrew Symonds and that T20 knock |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andrew-symonds-in-county-cricket-and-that-t20-knock-a-force-of-nature-1315184 |access-date=16 May 2022 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} A silence was also observed before the start of the first day's play of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Chattogram.{{Cite web |first=Sabyasachi |last=Chowdhury |title=Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Cricketers play tribute to Andrew Symonds with one-minute silence before Chattogram Test |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/bangladesh-vs-sri-lanka-cricketers-play-tribute-to-andrew-symonds-with-one-minute-silence-before-chattogram-test-1949700-2022-05-15 |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=India Today |language=en}}

A tribute campaign, called "Fishing Rods for Roy", was launched in memory of Symonds, referring to his interest in fishing.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rods-out-for-roy-as-tributes-continue-to-flow-for-andrew-symonds-1315339 |title='Rods out for Roy' as tributes continue to flow for Symonds |work=ESPNcricinfo |date=16 May 2022 |access-date=17 May 2022}} Cricket fans throughout Australia were encouraged to leave fishing rods and cricket balls outside the front of their houses as a nationwide tribute, one which mirrored the tributes after the death of Phillip Hughes in 2014.{{Cite web |last=Agencies |date=16 May 2022 |title=Fishing Rods for Roy: campaign launched for Andrew Symonds as tributes keep flowing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/16/fishing-rods-for-roy-campaign-launched-for-andrew-symonds-as-tributes-keep-flowing |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}

• {{Cite book| first1=Andrew |last1=Symonds |last2= Gray|first2= Stephen | year=2007 |publisher=Hardie Grant Books |isbn= 978-1-74066-580-3 |title=Roy: Going For Broke}}

• {{cite book|year=2007|title=Laugh Even Louder!|author=Camp Quality|author-link=Camp Quality|publisher=Scholastic Australia Pty Limited|location=Gosford, New South Wales|contributor-last=Symonds|contributor-first=Andrew|contribution=Contributor|isbn=978-1-74169-022-4}}{{Cite book|title=Laugh Even Louder!|author=Camp Quality|author-link=Camp Quality|page=22|publisher=Scholastic Australia Pty Limited|location=Gosford, New South Wales|isbn=978-1-74169-022-4|date=2007}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{ESPNcricinfo|id=7702}}

{{Bradman Cricketer of the Year}}

{{PCA Player of the Year}}

{{Australia Squad 2003 Cricket World Cup}}

{{Australia Squad 2006 ICC Champions Trophy}}

{{Australia Squad 2007 Cricket World Cup}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Symonds, Andrew}}

Category:1975 births

Category:2022 deaths

Category:Australia One Day International cricketers

Category:Australia Test cricketers

Category:Australia Twenty20 International cricketers

Category:Gloucestershire cricketers

Category:Kent cricketers

Category:Lancashire cricketers

Category:Queensland cricketers

Category:Australian people of Caribbean descent

Category:Australian adoptees

Category:English emigrants to Australia

Category:Deccan Chargers cricketers

Category:Cricketers from Birmingham, West Midlands

Category:Cricketers from Townsville

Category:Surrey cricketers

Category:People educated at All Souls School, Charters Towers

Category:Australian cricketers

Category:Australian Institute of Sport cricketers

Category:Mumbai Indians cricketers

Category:Road incident deaths in Queensland

Category:Cricketers from the Gold Coast, Queensland

Category:Australian expatriate cricketers in India

Category:People educated at All Saints Anglican School

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen