There aren’t many Australian cricketers who have a longer highlight reel in the past two decades than Andrew Symonds.
Whether it was belting sixes back over the bowler’s head, or making a spectacular effort in the field, the man known as “Roy” was a walking advertisement for how to play cricket in the most exciting way.
But as Australia – and the world – pauses to remember the life of the man who tragically died in a car crash at the age of 46, there’s one video that is sure to be played more than any other.
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For many Aussie sport lovers, the enduring memory of Symonds is his shoulder charge to level a nude streaker during a one-day international at the Gabba in 2008.
The naked man had forced play to be stopped when he ran onto the field of play, and made a beeline for Symonds who was batting for Australia.
As the streaker approached, Symonds expertly dropped his shoulder into the intruder and sent the man flying into the air, then crashing to the ground.
It is perhaps a perfect reflection of the man who made a name for himself not just for his cricketing ability, but also his fun-loving and larrikin demeanour.
Last year, Symonds reflected on the famous streaker incident in an interview with News Corp.
He was responding to Australian football star Sam Kerr‘s own run-in with a pitch invader, where she too flattened the man who foolishly got too close.
“We’re obviously bred pretty tough here in Australia and don’t take backwards steps,” Symonds said.
“In the heat of competition there’s a lot of adrenaline and when someone interrupts the match like that it can be frustrating.
“Sammy obviously took things into her own hands when security couldn’t catch the bloke, so good for her. She’s an icon and obviously knows how to handle herself. I’d like to buy her a beer and chat about it.
“I still get asked about my bump back in 2008 all the time.
“It’s one of those ones that keeps coming up and people love to talk about. It’s something I’m known for now, people say — ‘that’s the fella who knocked over the streaker’.
“Pitch invaders might think streaking across the field is funny but ultimately it’s just a lack of respect for the athletes.
“Not sure how she copped a yellow card for the bump. I’d like to see what rule she broke to be honest.
“My advice to her is just keep being herself. She seems passionate and is admired widely. If she wasn’t a cult figure already, she certainly will be now. Good for her.”
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