Symonds back in team after ban

Published November 11, 2008

SYDNEY, Nov 10: Errant all-rounder Andrew Symonds has returned to the Australian team, ending his forced exile, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Monday.

Symonds was included in an Australian team for an exhibition Twenty20 match against an all-star side in Brisbane on Friday.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said Symonds, punished for missing a team meeting during the Bangladesh one-day series to go fishing in Darwin in August, had done what was necessary off the field to earn his way back.

“He has made significant progress during his enforced lay-off and we are happy that he is now available to be selected for Australia again,” Sutherland said in a statement.

“When he is up and firing, he is one of the very best players in the world and I’m delighted that he will play in the All-Star Twenty20 match and wish him well.”

Asked by reporters if he was on his last chance, Symonds said: “I would have thought so – if I make another mistake, it’s not going to be a pretty ending and I realise that.

“I’ve got to be careful, but at the same time I’ve still got to be the player and person [who] plays my best cricket.”

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said he was advised by CA last week to consider Symonds for selection.

“CA advised that Andrew had completed the welfare process he has been undertaking over recent times and it was with great pleasure that we were able to select him for this game,” Hilditch said.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting, along with pacemen Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark will be rested from the game.

Former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist will lead the All-Stars, whose squad includes former Australian opener Justin Langer.

Squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Michael Hussey, Brett Geeves, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, David Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.—AFP

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