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In a sad moment for the cricketing world, former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds passed away in the early hours of Sunday just outside Townsville, Queensland after being involved in a car crash. The 46-year-old was a two-time World Cup champion with Australia, and also the most expensive foreign player at the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 auctions when he was bought by the erstwhile Deccan Charges for Rs 5.4 crore.
Here, we look at some of the Australian legend's best five innings during his illustrious career:
143* against Pakistan, World Cup 2003
A winner at consecutive World Cup (2003 and 2007), Symonds broke into stardom during the 2003 World Cup, having made his international debut back in 1998. Playing in Johannesburg, the Australian top-order batters were unable to perform against a pacey Pakistan bowling attack. Reeling at 86/4, Symonds entered the field and smashed a lovely unbeaten 143 runs in 125 balls to lead his team to a massive total of 310. In response, the Pakistani batters only mustered 228 runs as Symonds led his team to a brilliant start to their World Cup campaign.
156 runs against New Zealand, 2005
Symonds blazed a stunning 156 runs against New Zealand in Wellington during their tour of their neighbouring country in 2005. His innings of 127 balls included 12 fours and eight sixes as he took the Kiwi bowlers to the cleaners. Alongside Michael Clarke, who scored 82 himself, Symonds led his team to a respectable total of 322 runs, which the Australians worked very hard to defend. They went on to win the match by two runs in the final over.
156 runs against England, 2006
Australia started this Test match on a brilliant note after bundling the English batters for just 159 runs. While batting, however, only two players were in the spotlight for Australia. These were Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds, both of whom hit 150-plus scores. Symonds and Hayden set up a partnership of 279 runs before the latter was dismissed. Symonds then carried on the onslaught before his dismissal as well. Australia scored 419 runs and then dismissed the Englishmen for 161 runs, winning the game by an innings and 99 runs.
107 runs against India, 2007
In the sixth One Day International against India at Nagpur, Symonds smashed the Indian spinners all over the cricket field to score 107 runs in 88 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. Australia lost four wickets for just 129 runs after batting first, but Symonds' quickfire innings pushed the side to 317/8. The Aussies went on to limit India to 299/7.
162 runs against India, 2008
In a test marred by controversy and bad umpiring decisions, Symonds bagged his highest international score. The Test match, which was taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2008, saw another top-order collapse for Australia in the first innings before Symonds steadied the ship. his 226-ball 162* helped Australia to a score of 463 runs. Although India took a lead of 69 runs, they were bundled out for 210 runs in the second innings and lost the match by 122 runs.
