Ricky Ponting always wanted him in his team and Adam Gilchrist considered him a friend who could do anything for the sake of friendship. Andrew Symonds is being fondly remembered by his former mates and rivals.

The flamboyant all-rounder, who died in a car accident on Saturday night in Queensland, had encounters with controversy as well during his playing days, but it is his cricketing prowess which the world saluted.

Symonds, who was lovingly known as “Roy” to friends, was 46 and is survived by his wife and two young children.

“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,” Symonds’ former captain Ponting tweeted.

Gilchrist, who was Symonds’ teammate in the World Cup 2003 Australia squad, tweeted: “Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.”

Jason Gillespie, who also played alongside Symonds, tweeted: “Horrendous news to wake up to. Utterly devastated. We are all gonna miss you mate.”

Another member of Australia’s 2003 World Cup squad, Michael Bevan, wrote: “Heartbreaking. Aussie cricket losing another hero. Stunned.Co-team members 2003 World Cup. Amazing talent. RIP SIMMO.”

Former Australian pacer Damen Fleming was also left devastated by the tragic news. “This is so devastating. Roy was so much fun to be around. This is so devastating. Roy was So much fun to be around Our Thoughts are with Symonds family #RIPRoy,” Fleming wrote.

Former Australian coach and cricketer Darren Lehmann also took to Twitter to express his grief.

“Look after yourself up there great man, I loved him so much and our thoughts are with the family at this time. Hug your loved ones,” Lehmann said.

An attacking batter, who could also bowl both medium pace and spin and an outstanding fielder, Symonds featured in 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is in a successful career between 1998 and 2009.

He helped Australia win the ODI world Cups in 2003 and 2007 and was one of the key members of Australia’s Test side for some time in the 2000s.

Paying his condolences, Sachin Tendulkar wrote: “Andrew Symond’s demise is shocking news for all of us to absorb. Not only was he a brilliant all-rounder, but also a live-wire on the field. I have fond memories of the time we spent together in Mumbai Indians. May his soul rest in peace, condolences to his family & friends.”

Former India batter Laxman wrote: “Shocking news to wake up to here in India. Rest in peace my dear friend. Such tragic news.”

Spin legend Anil Kumble paid his condolences to the family. “Tragic news to hear of Andrew Symonds passing. Condolences to his family, friends and well wishers.”

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wrote: “Devastated to hear about Andrew Symonds passing away in a car crash in Australia. We shared a great relationship on & off the field.”

“Saddened and shocked to hear the sudden demise of Andrew Symonds. A legend of the sport, gone too soon,” star Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan tweeted.

(Written with inputs from PTI)