Andrew Symonds is committed to returning to the Australian cricket team, but has no idea how long it will take to win back selection.
Symonds returned to training for the Queensland state squad on Tuesday, his first official practice since he was sent home from Australia’s series against Bangladesh at the northern city of Darwin last month for skipping a team meeting to go fishing.
”I’m going through the process of trying to improve and become not only a better cricketer, but a better person,” the 33-year-old all-rounder said. ”I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking up cricket again for my club, state and country, hopefully.”
Symonds was not selected for Australia’s four-Test tour of India starting later this month, with Cricket Australia deciding he needed more time to consider his international future.
A key member of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2003 and 2007, Symonds has been a regular in the Test line-up for the last two seasons.
He could get an opportunity for a recall when Australia host New Zealand and South Africa in Test series this southern summer.
Symonds apologised to his family, teammates and cricket fans for his recent behaviour, which sparked wide criticism, including accusations from former Australia vice-captain Shane Warne that he was disrespectful to his teammates. — Sapa-AP