Monday, February 2, 2009

Symonds set for Australia absence

Andrew Symonds
Symonds' conduct has come under intense scrutiny in recent times

Andrew Symonds will not play for Australia until he has come through further counselling and rehabilitation.

Cricket Australia says the all-rounder, 33, will miss the Test series in South Africa and must satisfy rehabilitation criteria before making a return.

His rehabilitation progress was looked at after he was fined $4,000 (£1,870) over a remark he made on the radio.

"We have a responsibility to Andrew but also to Australian cricket," said CA chief executive James Sutherland.

"Our assessment is that he is making good progress but his commitment needs testing against new, tougher criteria."

Sutherland said the specifics of that criteria would be finalised after consultation with Symonds' counsellors, the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) and Queensland Cricket (QC).

It is likely to include Symonds reaffirming his personal documented commitments, his counselling programme being increased in concentration and treated as a priority above his cricketing commitments and formal fortnightly rehabilitation progress reports being made to CA.

Symonds swore while making a disparaging comment about New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum in a radio interview.

Sutherland noted feedback from Symonds' state, Queensland, and the Australia players and team management that suggested he was making good progress with the rehabilitation programme he is currently undertaking.

CA will review his progress at the end of the Sheffield Shield season, which precedes the selection of Australia's squad for the one-day series against Pakistan in April.

Symonds, who has played in 26 Tests and 193 one-day internationals, has a history of off-field disciplinary problems.

He was dropped for two ODIs on Australia's tour of England in 2005 after a high-profile drinking session.

In August 2008, he was sent home from a one-day squad after missing a team meeting to go fishing.

Then in November he had to issue an apology after he went out drinking with members of the Australian rugby league side and was involved in an incident at a Brisbane hotel.

Australia's tour to South Africa, which comprises three Tests, two Twenty20 internationals and five one-day internationals, starts on 26 February.

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