Andrew Symonds' children melt hearts in beautiful scenes during SCG cricket Test
Chloe and Will were invited into the commentary box during a break in play.
Cricket fans were moved to tears during a break in play in the SCG Test on Thursday, as Andrew Symonds' children made a special appearance in the commentary box. Symonds was just 46 when he was killed in a car accident in Queensland in 2022, sparking an outpouring of grief around the cricket world.
He left behind children Chloe and Will, but the cricket community has made sure the kids aren't forgotten. The Australian side invited the kids to be honorary members of the team during an ODI in Townsville in August of 2022 - a match that served as a tribute to Symonds.
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On Thursday they were invited into the commentary box during a rain delay at the SCG, having a chat with Fox Cricket commentators Mark Howard and Adam Gilchrist. "Chloe, firstly can you give us a weather condition update? What do you think is happening out there?” Howard asked.
"Chloe responded: “By the looks of it, it’s not clearing up too well so I don’t think play’s going to go through.” Howard said: “Finally some honesty, Chloe. We’ve been saying it’s going to clear away.”
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/fUgOVdnOdA
— Mark Howard (@MarkHoward03) January 4, 2024
The discussion then turned to Chloe and Will's sporting exploits, after Will was invited to spend some time with Pakistan star Babar Azam earlier this week. “I had a hit with Babar Azam,” Will said. "Great guy. He was telling me about my front foot and how it needed to be straight - mine was slanted and it needed to be straight.”
When asked who his favourite player is, Will said: “Probably either Marnus (Labuschagne) or Travis Head. Or Babar Azam.”
Gilchrist, who was good mates with Symonds, said: “Good on you Billy. I know you had a birthday in late November and you got a new cricket bat. What style of cricket bat, what brand and who else used to use the same bat?”
Will replied: “I got a (Gray Nicolls) Delta, Travis Head’s bat. I’ve always wanted that bat. I had a bat the exact same but it was a smaller bat that I used to use. I’ve been asking mum for one and it was a surprise how I got it.”
Will said his cricket has been going "fantastically", but his team is yet to win a game this season. Chloe also revealed she's been enjoying her touch footy and recently made a representative team.
Howard asked: “I have a son a very similar age to you and he would use the expression, are you guys 'loving yourselves sick' being on television?". Chloe said: “Yes it’s a lot of fun.”
Cricket world moved by wonderful scenes for Andrew Symonds' kids
The wonderful scenes captivated fans on social media, with many commenting how nice it was to see Symonds' children happy and smiling. Others were saddened by the reminder of Symonds' tragic loss, which came just months after Shane Warne's death.
“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," Gilchrist said in an emotional piece to camera in December 2022.
“It’s going to be a tough summer because we’re going to think of them every day. What beautiful characters they were. It’s going to be fun remembering them and keeping that legacy going.”
That Chloe and Billy Symonds interview was beautiful @FoxCricket. So very well done @MarkHoward03, Gilly and Skull. ❤️
— Darcy Williams (@DJWillo17) January 4, 2024
There wasn't a dry eye at the desk here when the late Andrew Symonds' two young kids were in the @FoxCricket commentary box during the rain delay.
They both spoke so wonderfully and confidently and would have made their dad immensely proud. pic.twitter.com/8Uw7Z4xh5l— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) January 4, 2024
Andrew Symonds kids interview made me cry, best part of the test so far #AUSvPAK
— ComeUppance (@the_comeuppance) January 4, 2024
Chloe and Will speak so well Brilliant to watch ✅
— Willo (@willo132) January 4, 2024
Really lovely. It’s wonderful how Chloe and Will are being looked after and made to feel so special.
— Martin (@hammersaint) January 4, 2024
Just wonderful...what lovely kids...kudos to both his parents and family...Andrew always missed...was a rare talent 😢
— Pete Hill (@MrQLD) January 4, 2024
Have a listen to these two wonderful kids speaking so clearly & concisely on TV and their passion for sport. Their Dad would be so proud. This stuff brings a tear to the eye
— Brett Hood (@brettscoast) January 4, 2024
So beautiful and so sad at the same time…
— cindy ackerley (@cinoy2310) January 4, 2024
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