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For Andrew Symes, cricket isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifelong passion that has gifted him memories beyond his wildest dreams. The 62-year-old truck driver from Stoke-on-Trent which a city in England has been a familiar face at cricket grounds across the Midlands since 2009, volunteering tirelessly for the game he adores. But nothing compares to the unforgettable moment in 2014 when MS Dhoni made his 50th birthday truly special.
It was during India’s tour of England in 2014 that Symes experienced his “Red Letter Day.” While volunteering at Edgbaston during an ODI, he was called outside the Indian dressing room. Waiting there was none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who presented him with an Indian team jersey, a gesture that left Symes both stunned and elated.
“It was incredibly kind of Dhoni to call me out and hand me the jersey. It’s something I’ll treasure forever,” Symes recalled, his eyes lighting up with the memory. Interestingly, the jersey belonged to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, gifted to Symes in recognition of his service to cricket.
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A Chance Meeting and a Thoughtful Gesture
Symes shared the heartwarming backstory: “At the previous ODI in Nottingham, rain had delayed play. I was helping arrange food for players when a BCCI official learned about my upcoming 50th birthday. I had no idea that at Edgbaston, Dhoni himself would make it so memorable.”
A Decade of Memories and Cricketing Heroes
Over the years, Symes has collected countless memories and photos with cricketing legends like Ravi Shastri, whom he admires deeply, along with Geoffrey Boycott and Malcolm Marshall. One of his proudest moments was carrying the 2019 World Cup trophy onto the field ahead of a New Zealand-Pakistan clash.
“I Can’t Really Complain”
As he scrolled through his phone brimming with cherished snapshots, Symes reflected: “I get to be around people I’ve admired my whole life. Cricket has given me more than I could ever ask for.” For Symes, the Edgbaston ground isn’t just a workplace, it’s a second home filled with memories that keep his love for the game alive.
