New Delhi: Andrew Symonds, who passed away in a car accident in May this year, was given tribute in the first ODI game between Australia and Zimbabwe. The centre of the game were Symonds’ children who ran the drinks for the team. The outfield also depicted ‘Roy 388′, which is the Symonds’ nickname and Test cap number.
His children, Billy and Chloe were part of the pre-match ceremony and stood alongside Aaron Finch and Steven Smith for the anthems. A moment of silence was observed for Symonds. The kids helped the team to run the drinks in the first inning when Australia was fielding, and also spent some time in the team dugout.
Later, during the innings break Symonds’ family members Laura Vidmar, sister Louise and mother Barbara, along with children, friend Jimmy Maher and his dogs Buzz and Woody, walked to the pitch to pay tribute to the allrounder. They laid his baggy green, his bat, his Akubra hat, a fishing rod and a crab pot on the pitch.
Talking about the deceased cricketer, Aaron Finch said, “What he did as a player was remarkable. He was someone who put bums on seats, he was box office with bat and in the field.” He also acknowledged that it has been a sad time for Australian cricket, referring to the demise of legendary bowler Shane Warne and Dean Jones.
Symonds played 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Australia. He played a major role in winning the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. The grandstand at the Riverway Stadium is expected to be renamed after Symonds in the near future.
In the game, Zimbabwe got all out on 200 as Cameron Green took a five-wicket haul. Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 45 off 61 and Wessly Medhevere anchored the inning with his 72 off 91 deliveries.
