Test all-rounder Andrew Symonds has barely had time to scratch him self after being rushed back into the Australian test side following his shock selection in the thirteen man squad last week.

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Cricket Australia selectors overlooked all-rounder Shane Watson in favour of Symonds who has faced his fair share of criticism after scoring just 80 runs in the domestic competition this season.

Despite facing heavy criticism by the media and a number of former test players, Symonds was given the green light yesterday and couldn’t be happier to be back among his team mates.

Skipper Ricky Ponting was very quick to jump to Symonds (and the test selectors) defense likening Symonds’ absence to that of an injured player.

He stated that Symonds was a key senior member of the Australian Test Cricket team and a vital spark with the bat, ball and particularly around the ground.

He mirrored Matthew Heyden’s attitude in that although Symond’s does not have the runs on the board so far this season, his sheer presence as an enthusiastic and athletic fielder, his dominance with the bat and his ability to get through overs mean that Australia is a much better side with him in it.

Many see the test against the Black Caps as a mere formality and this could be the reasoning behind his selection.

Even New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori was reluctant to talk up the Black Cap’s chances, making this the perfect opportunity for Symonds to play himself into form ahead of what is guaranteed to be a red hot summer of cricket.

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Posted on December 26th, 2008 by Trix
Filed under: Test Match