Adam Gilchrist breaks down in touching tribute to cricket legends Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds

Adam Gilchrist has broken down in tears while paying tribute to his Australian cricket teammates Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds.

In truly heartbreaking scenes, the legendary Aussie wicketkeeper struggled to fight back the emotions as he remembered his dear friends.

2021 was a tough year for the Australian cricket community, suffering losses of two iconic figures.

Warne sadly passed away in March after suffering a heart attack in Thailand, before Symonds tragically lost his life in a car accident two months later in Queensland.

Their deaths sent shockwaves through the sporting world as fans, teammates and coaches all went into mourning.

PA

And with the Big Bash league just about to kick off, there are two notable omissions from the television coverage.

In a tribute video posted by Fox Sports, Gilchrist reflected on the careers and lives of Warne and Symonds.

“We love the Big Bash, it’s our favourite time of the year,” he said.

“It was Warnie and Roy’s as well, which makes this so hard.

“Their record on the field was well documented – they were national icons, they were our icons, our favourites here in the commentary box on Fox Cricket. The game goes on, it always does – but we miss our two mates.”

He added: “It’s going to be a tough summer because we’re going to think of them everyday.

“What beautiful characters they were. It’s going to be fun remembering them and keeping that legacy going.”

During the television broadcast for the During the BBL opener between the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars, Mark Waugh reflected on the loss too

“(They’re) great mates and great guys as well,” he said.

“We grew up with them and we played a lot with those two guys. It’s hard they’re not here. You think you’re going to live forever.”