Three things I learned from Andrew Symonds

The untimely death of Andrew ‘Roy’ Symonds proves that bad things come in three.

Symonds was one of my favorite players, and although he only played internationally for a short time, he had a lasting impact, especially the impressive 15-year-old who dreamed of representing Australia at the highest level.

Here are three lessons he taught me.

1. True character is always under pressure

I watched almost every ball of Symonds’ first Test century. When he came to the crease in terrible form at 5-84, I had a doubt in my mind that he would perform that day.

When Symonds left, adding 299 runs with Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist and the late Shane Warne, all out for 156 as the eighth wicket fell, he proved his skepticism wrong.

His second Test century, made in the same situation, proved that he could stop the noise and rejoice at the pressure of bringing in a troubled team. I can write about a few more situations in one-day cricket where he showed his true character under pressure.

Whenever I face stress now, at home, at work or in cricket, I try to brighten up my character so that I too can be resilient and able to cope with any situation.

2. Standing up for what is right is always more important than pleasing the crowd

Symonds was unique in the way he played cricket. Whether trying to play hangover, asking for a pay cut so he could spend more time fishing or his talent on the field, he knew what his priorities were on and off the field. He loved life and loved cricket, at least part of the game. He loved to represent Australia, declined the opportunity to represent England and defended his field against pitch attackers.

His conviction that what he considers to be correct makes him sad against India, when, despite reports of racial slurs, Cricket Australia saw Indian money as more delicious than supporting a player. From that moment on, Symonds realized that the game was more about politics than protection of the players. Once he realizes that his values ​​are not supported, he loses confidence and begins to spiral downwards.

Whenever I have the opportunity to stand up for what is right, even under pressure, I stand up for my values ​​because they define me.

3. Give 100 percent to everything, whether one thing is good or many

Symonds was an all-rounder in every sense of the word. He averaged over 40 in Test and first-class cricket, bowling well and was outstanding on the field. Symonds’ love for the game grew because he gave 100 percent for everything on the cricket field.

While batting, bowling or fielding, Roy’s unbridled zeal created an intensity that rubbed against the others. Whenever he landed on the field, you knew you were going to get 100 percent effort and 100 percent fun.

Diving to his left on the cover, his catch, his run out for a stump goal and his incredible ability to score a century in sixes have proved just how good you can be when you can give 100 percent in everything.

Whenever I do something, I do it with all my strength and I enjoy it because I never know how good I can be.

The tragic death of Andrew Symonds reflects all of us. I hope that these humble words of a devotee can do justice to a full life.