Sydney, June 6 (Inditop) Troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds has got the backing of Queensland cricket authorities as he fights to save his career.
Symonds arrived at Brisbane airport with his international career in tatters after being sent home from Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign in England for his latest breach of team rules.
He had been tipped to announce his retirement on arrival – but there was no talk of quitting as he was driven away by former Queensland teammate Joe Dawes.
He has the backing of his state association, with Queensland cricket boss Graham Dixon declaring he wants Symonds on board this summer, the Herald Sun reported Saturday.
Asked if he wanted Symonds at the Bulls next summer, Dixon said: “Certainly. Andrew has been representing us since he was 17, so half of his life, he’s been part of the Queensland cricket family.
“We like the bloke and we want to help him through this issue that’s facing him now.”
Dixon said he was more concerned about Symonds’s mental state.
“Our No. 1 priority is Andrew Symonds, the bloke,” he said.
“Andrew has to weigh up what sort of cricket he wants to play.”
Symonds said he would weigh up his playing future this week.
“I’ve got a fair bit to consider, I suppose, and I appreciate you all coming out here this morning,” he told the gathered media.
“I will come out and make a full, proper statement when I’ve gathered my thoughts and sat down with family and friends,” the 33-year-old said.
Reports suggested Symonds’s CA contract was under review, but CA spokesman Peter Young said: “We’ve advised him that we are not proposing to go ahead with the contract offer that we had signalled.
“Andrew has a lot on his mind. For the time being, the ball is in his court in terms of what he wants to do next.
“We are keen to encourage the private work that he’s been doing with his own rehabilitation program and we’ll support him through that,” Young said.
He will be encouraged by CA to continue counselling sessions – despite the governing body severing ties with him contractually.
It has been speculated Symonds would quit Australian cricket and maintain a living by playing in the Indian Premier League, where he commands $1.5 million for six weeks’ work.
rounak