Symcox was a right-arm off-spin bowler and was known for his powerful hitting down the order and has a Test century to his name, scored against Pakistan. Symcox is co-holder of the highest ever ninth-wicket partnership of 195 runs. Symcox retired in 1998. His son, Russel, like his father, used to play provincial cricket for the Natal Dolphins, but now plays club cricket in England.
During an ODI against Australia at the SCG in late-1997, play was stopped after the crowd pelted Symcox with projectiles, including an entire KFC barbecue chicken.