Andrew Symonds’ children and beloved dogs to pay tribute to the Aussie cricket legend in Townsville

Andrew Symonds’ family – including his two beloved blue heeler dogs – will pay tribute to the Aussie cricket legend at Sunday’s one-day international against Zimbabwe in Townsville.

Former all-rounder Symonds died on May 14 following a single car accident aged just 46 – and the larrikin will be honoured at the Riverway Stadium in what are sure to be emotional scenes.

Symonds’ dogs Buzz and Woody will walk with his two children, Billy and Chloe, to lay his baggy green cap, cricket bat and Akubra hat at the innings break of Sunday’s 50-over a side contest.

Attention will then turn to the grandstand, which will soon be renamed after their famous dad.

Four legged companions Buzz and Woody were on board Symonds’ ute when he died, but survived the fatal crash.

Cricket Australia coach Andrew McDonald said it will be fitting to honour the legacy of one of Queensland’s finest cricketers at his home patch in Townsville.

Andrew Symonds’ family will pay tribute to the Aussie cricket legend at Sunday’s one-day international against Zimbabwe in Townsville (pictured, Symonds at Shane Warne’s funeral)

Symonds’ two children, Billy and Chloe, will lay their dad’s baggy green, cricket bat and akubra hat at the innings break of Sunday’s 50-over a side contest

‘Roy was an amazingly talented, natural cricketer and a brilliant teammate. He loved playing for his country and his mates,’ McDonald told the Courier Mail.

‘He had a significant impact on the game particularly here in Queensland as well as across Australia and the world.

‘It is a great tragedy he is gone but it is fitting we get the opportunity to honour him in Townsville and the local fans will be able to pay their respects to a true great.’

Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne is expecting spin to be a big factor in the three-game ODI series.

‘The ground’s great. I don’t think I’ve lost here yet, I’ve got three wins from three games (for the Queensland Bulls),’ the star batsman told reporters recently.

‘When I played Shield cricket here (Riverway Stadium), it did a little bit early, but it was actually really good for the spinners.’

Four legged companions Buzz and Woody were on board Symonds’ ute when he died, but survived the fatal crash (pictured, one of the blue heelers as a pup)

Australia have two wrist spinners in their squad, with Ashton Agar returning from a side strain and Adam Zampa is back in the fold following the birth of his first child.

Labuschagne also said the Aussies won’t underestimate their opponents from the African nation. 

‘That’s one thing you realise about the game now, the game’s growing so fast,’ Labuschagne said.

‘Guys are improving rapidly. Teams like Zimbabwe, Netherlands and Ireland…they are highly skilled teams now.’