'You felt bulletproof when you played in the same team as Andrew Symonds', Shane Watson recalls

KARACHI: Shane Watson, a former Australia all-rounder, praised Andrew Symonds and called him the best teammate he'd ever had.

After the all-rounder's shocking death in Queensland last month at the age of 46, Watson recalled many wonderful moments the two enjoyed on and off the field.

Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review: "You felt bulletproof when you played in the same team as Andrew Symonds. Having him at the point and just knowing he always had your back no matter what. And to bat with him was something very special."

"It is shattering to think he is not with us anymore. I look back at old footage I have seen over the last couple of weeks and (shaking head) he was so good, just so incredibly good. And to go with it one of the best teammates you could ever have," he added.

Watson compared Symonds to West Indies legend, Sir Vivian Richards, saying that few players are born with the same skill as the robust all-rounder.

"He was very much Viv Richards reincarnated in the way he played," Watson noted. "Even before I played against him you always heard about this big, powerful, six-hitting batter who could do everything and who was an amazing athlete," he added.