Tributes were paid to the Late Australian cricketer, Andrew Symonds, in the 1st AUS vs ZIM ODI at Townsville. The cricketer passed away in May this year, in a car accident west of Townsville. Symonds’s family members gave an emotional tribute to the late cricketer during the match as they brought some of Symonds’ belongings onto the pitch and remembered him.
The Australian and Zimbabwean Cricket teams as well joined to pay tribute to Symonds as they gave a guard of honour to Symonds’ family as they entered the pitch. Andrew’s wife Laura Vidmar along with children, his sister Louise, mother Barbara, and friend Jimmy Maher were present there to pay tribute to Roy. Symonds’ family members were also accompanied by his dogs Buzz and Woody.
Australian Cricket team paid their tributes to Symonds along with his family
Andrew’s children, Will and Chloe, were a part of the pre-match ceremony, as they walked into the ground with Aaron Finch and Steven Smith at the start of play. They both stood alongside the Australian Cricket team for the national anthem. A moment of silence was also observed for the late Andrew Symonds. The kids also spent some time in the Australian dugout and ran drinks for the side while they were fielding in the first innings.
Andrew Symonds' children Chloe and Will walking out with Aaron Finch and Steve Smith at the start of play today ❤️ #AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/NUBbKAoTot
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 28, 2022
The outfield of the Riverway Stadium depicted ‘Roy 388’ in the first AUS vs ZIM ODI. As a tribute to Symonds, his nickname ‘Roy’ was painted on the outfield with the number ‘388’ which was his Test cap number. During the innings break, Symonds’ family entered the ground along with the deceased cricketer’s close belongings and laid them onto the pitch. Symonds’ baggy green, his bat, Akubra hat, a fishing rod and a crab pot were some of his dear belongings which were brought into the pitch.
Cricket Australia (CA) shared a video of the memorial ceremony on Twitter:
A tribute fitting for one man, and one man only. #AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/zjVvE4yx25
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 28, 2022
The charismatic all-rounder, Andrew Symonds, was a two-time World Cup winner and played a key role in Australia’s 2003 50-over World Cup win. Symonds appeared in 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Australia. In remembrance of Symonds, the grandstand at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville is set to be renamed after his name.
