Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India off spinner Harbhajan Singh condoled the sudden demise of former Australian all rounder Andrew Symonds. The Aussie cricketer passed away on Saturday night in a car crash outside Townsville in Queensland. He was 46 years old.
Harbhajan tweeted, “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Andrew Symonds. Gone too soon. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Prayers for the departed soul 🙏#RIPSymonds”
Harbhajan and Symonds shared a rather controversial history during their playing days. In the 2008 Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia, the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ scandal had marred the series where Symonds had accused the Indian off spinner of racism. Symonds had alleged that Harbhajan used the word ‘Monkey’ during a heated exchange with him during the Sydney Test; however, Harbhajan has maintained that he never used the racial slur.
Symonds and Harbhajan later became teammates in the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians in 2011.
Symonds played 26 Tests for Australia between 2004 and 2008, and 198 one-day internationals, and was a crucial member of two World Cup winning teams in 2003 and 2007.