Cricket umpire Simon Taufel lauded former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds, who passed away in the wee hours of Sunday after being involved in an unfortunate accident on the outskirts of Townsville, Queensland. The Australian was a two-time World Cup winner with his country and played 26 Tests and 198 One Day Internationals
"Andrew was one of the most gifted and naturally talented cricketers that I saw on the field. He set the standard of fielding athleticism for others to aspire to," Taufel said about his fellow countryman in an exclusive interview with Sports Tak.
The Aussie cricket umpire recalled an incident involving the 46-year-old, where he stopped a streaker with a body slam right near the pitch during a game between Australia and India. The incident took place during an ODI match at the Gabba in 2008, during a tri-series final. Taufel, who fondly calls Symonds 'Roy', said that it was one of the funniest incidents that he had come across on the cricket field
“ 'Roy' also gave me (us) one of the funniest incidents on the cricket field back in 2008 when he shoulder charged a streaker at the Gabba when Australia played India. We all had to laugh and gasp at the same time with the sound of the hit still very clear in my mind to this sad day," said the 51-year-old umpire.
Symonds has since gone on to play for the erstwhile Deccan Chargers (DC) and five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI). He was also the most expensive foreigner at the inaugural IPL auctions for the 2008 season, bought by DC for Rs. 5.4 crore.
Sharing his condolences, Taufel said, "I feel for Andrew’s family, friends and teammates at this difficult time. Andrew’s spirit, sense of humour, and character will live on amongst us."
