Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds died at the age of 46 in a car accident on Saturday night, triggering a wave of tributes from the cricket fraternity. Several of his former Australian teammates referred to him as ‘Roy’ in their tributes. 

Here’s the story behind him getting the nickname – 

Considered one of the best middle-order batters, Andrew Symonds was first called by the name ‘Roy’ by his childhood sports coach, who thought the batter looked similar to premier Brisbane Bullets basketball star Leroy Loggins. The former American-Australian basketballer was part of the famous National Basketball League from 1981 till 2001.

Also Read: Harbhajan Singh pays tribute to Australia legend Andrew Symonds

Paying a tribute to him, Adam Gilchrist tweeted, “Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.”

Also Read: Shane Warne was a part of Andrew Symonds’ last Instagram, Twitter posts

Former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting also offered condolences to the cricketer. 

“If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that’s why I always wanted him on my team. An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone. Thoughts are with his family at this time,” Ponting said.

Also Read: Andrew Symonds dies at 46: 5 things to know about the Australian legend

Symonds made his international debut in 1998 and was part of two World Cup-winning campaigns for the country. Apart from the nation, he represented Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. In the inaugural IPL mega auction, Symonds was the second most expensive player. The 46-year-old also represented Kent, Lancashire, Surrey, and Gloucestershire in County Cricket.

In February 2012, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket to concentrate on his family life.