Touching tributes were paid to Andrew Symonds in Townsville during Australia's ODI with Zimbabwe on Sunday.

Former Australia all-rounder Symonds died in a car accident in May at the age of 46.

The outfield at Riverway Stadium was emblazoned with 'Roy 388' a reference to Symonds' nickname and his Australia Test cap number.

Symonds' children, Billy and Chloe, stood alongside ODI captain Aaron Finch and Steve Smith during the national anthems, when a minute's silence was held in his honour.

They later served as enthusiastic drinks carriers for Australia's players in the field.

Symonds' wife Laura Vidmar, sister Louise, mother Barbara, his children and close friend Jimmy Maher took to the middle during the interval to place his baggy green, his bat, his Akubra hat, a fishing rod and a crab pot at the stumps. His much-loved dogs Buzz and Woody also joined the family for the emotional tribute.

"What he did as a player was remarkable," Finch said prior to the match, which Australia won by five wickets. 

"He was someone who put bums on seats, he was box office with bat and in the field. [It's been] 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.

"For someone who was so laid-back, 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."

Symonds made 26 Test appearances for Australia, scoring two centuries, his first coming in the Boxing Day Test in 2006-07 Ashes series. He recorded 10 half-centuries and had an average of 40.61 and took 24 Test wickets.

In ODI cricket, he played a key role in Australia's 2003 Cricket World Cup triumph, scoring 326 runs in five innings at an average of 163. He also featured in their 2007 success.

He scored 5,088 ODI runs, 16th in the all-time list for Australia, producing six centuries and 30 half-centuries. Symonds took 133 wickets in the 50-over format.