The cricket world reacts as former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in a car crash aged 46

Mark Taylor, Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan have paid tribute to former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds after the 46-year-old died in a car crash overnight.

Taylor, the former Test batsman and head of Cricket Australia (CA), called it “another tragic day for cricket” as it followed the deaths of Rod Marsh and Shane Warne earlier this year.

“I honestly can’t believe it,” he told Nine Network’s Wide World of Sports on Sunday.

Speaking of Symonds’ legacy as a cricketer, Taylor said he was an “entertainer with a bat” and an “imposing guy” on the field.

“He just wanted to entertain… He wanted to go out and have fun… That’s how he lived his life,” he added.

Affectionately known as ‘Roy’, Symonds made 26 Tests and 212 limited-duration caps for his country and was particularly known for his wild middle-order batting.

Gilchrist responded with similar shock and sadness, tweeting a series of crying and heartbreaking emojis, followed by “This really hurts.” In a subsequent tweet, he wrote: “Think of your most loyal, funniest and loving friend who would do anything for you. This is Roy.”

Former England Test captain Vaughan simply tweeted: “Simmo… this doesn’t feel real… #RIP” with a love heart emoji.

CA confirmed the news on Sunday morning.

In a statement, CA chairman Lachlan Henderson said Australian cricket had “lost another of its best”.

“Andrew was a generational talent who was instrumental in Australia’s success at World Cups and as part of Queensland’s rich cricket history.”

“He was a cult figure for many, respected by his fans and friends,” he added.

“On behalf of Australian Cricket, our deepest condolences go out to Andrew’s family, team-mates and friends.”

CA chief executive Nick Hockley called Symonds an “amazing talent from a young age in Queensland with his clean hitting power, clever spin bowling and brilliant fieldplay.”

News of the Symonds’ deaths broke overnight and police confirmed an investigation into the accident, which happened in north Queensland, about 31 miles north of Townsville.

In a statement, Queensland Police said: “Police are investigating a single vehicle accident in Hervey Range, about 50 kilometers from Townsville, which killed a 46-year-old man.

“Early information indicates the car was traveling on Hervey Range Road near the Alice River Bridge just after 11pm when it left the roadway and rolled.

“Emergency services attempted to resuscitate the 46-year-old driver and sole occupant, but he died from his injuries.”