Aussie legend Andrew Symonds was honoured in a touching tribute on Sunday (August 28) with his children made honorary members of the Australian cricket team.
It was an emotional outing during the first ODI between Zimbabwe and Australia in Townsville.
The historic occasion saw members of the public, teammates, and family bid their farewell to Symonds who tragically passed away at the age of 46.
‘Roy’ was killed after his car rolled off the road in Hervey Range near Townsville.
It was an incredibly moving testimonial with Andrew’s children Chloe and Billy invited to be members of the team for the day.
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Chloe and Billy walked out alongside the Australian team and stood with them during the national anthems and minute’s silence.
They even performed water drinks duties, running on to join the team during breaks.
The all-rounder’s famous nickname ‘Roy’ and test number 388 were displayed on the field throughout the game.
At the innings break, Roy’s two children, wife Laura, sister Louise, mother Barbara and two dogs entered the pitch.
The Aussie’s best friend and former cricketer Jimmy Maher carried out the legend’s bat and baggy green, along with a handful of his favourite items to place onto and next to the stumps.
Aussie captain Aaron Finch said before the game: "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 and stuff like that.
"For someone who was so laidback, his depth of knowledge of cricket and players was second-to-none.
"I think the larrikin tag was there but the deep knowledge of the game was outstanding as well."
Australia went on to secure a five-wicket victory at Riverway Stadium, as they chased a 201 score total for victory.
Cameron Green was the star on the bowling end finishing with 5/33 - his maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket.
Of course, the limelight was on Symonds and his family, in scenes that left cricket fans around the world with a wealth of emotions.
Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted: “Isn't it brilliant that the family of Andrew Symonds was allowed such a lovely part at the game in Townsville? Including letting his children run the drinks and having a little event in the break? Very nice.”
Whilst Cricbuzz’s Bharat Sundaresan said: “Australians celebrate their heroes better than anyone else. Such an incredibly touching tribute to Andrew Symonds that. So wonderful to his beloved dogs accompanying the family.”
Jayden Collins