Watch: Fitting Tribute To Andrew Symonds From Family And Friends Before The First ODI Against Zimbabwe
Tribute to Andrew Symonds from Cricket Australia (Image Source: Twitter)
On 28 August 2022, Australia took on Zimbabwe in Townsville for the first match of the three-match ODI series. The home side won the match convincingly. But, before the match, the Australian Cricket Board paid tribute to the late Andrew Symonds. His family and friends were there to pay him a fitting tribute.
Symonds’ children, Billy and Chloe were part of the pre-match ceremony. They also stood alongside Aaron Finch and Steve Smith for the national anthem. Symonds’ nickname was Roy and his Test cap number was 388. Hence, the outfield was decorated with ‘Roy 388’. Notable, this former Australia great lost his life in a car accident west of Townsville on 14 May 2022. Fans loved this gesture and the video got viral all over the internet.
Here are the shared video and images:
A tribute fitting for one man, and one man only. #AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/zjVvE4yx25
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 28, 2022
Andrew Symonds' family and friends paid tribute to the cricketer today in his hometown of Townsville ♥https://t.co/ze4uz39TvA #AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/KzbFAiEsYC
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 28, 2022
Australia have won the toss and elected to bowl first against Zimbabwe #AUSvZIM pic.twitter.com/FhPT3TN69K
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 27, 2022
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
Cricket Australia will never forget Andrew Symonds’ contribution
Speaking of the video, the Symonds family with Laura Vidmar, sister Louise, and mother Barbara along with children and close friend Jimmy Maher walked to the pitch at the interval. Symonds’ two dogs, Buzz and Woddy also walked to the center. They laid his baggy green, his bat, his Akubra hat, a fishing robe, and a crab pot at the wickets.
Meanwhile, Australian players and team management staff also opened up about their views on Andrew Symonds. Skipper Aaron Finch said: “He was someone who put bums on seats, he was box office with bat and in the field. It’s been a really sad time obviously for Australian cricket over the last little while. It’ll be nice to have some tributes and his family here,”.
Apart from him, the Australian coach, Andrew McDonald also said Symonds’ influence on Australian cricket. “He literally changed the game. Roy was an amazingly talented and natural cricketer. He was also a brilliant teammate. He made a significant impact on the game, particularly in Queensland as well as in Australia and the world. Roy also has a huge influence on inspiring the new generation of cricketers. He changed white-ball cricket just like Dean Jones did in his time. Both the players are ultimate legends of Australian cricket,” He concluded.
