Symonds back in squad

Australian selectors have included Andrew Symonds in a preliminary 30-member squad for this year’s T20 World Cup. The squad will be reduced to 15 before the tournament.

Symonds has been receiving counselling after a series of off-field incidents resulted in him being ruled out for selection until his behaviour improved. “We are satisfied he is committed to doing the things needed of an Australian international cricketer,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement. Shaun Tait,Shane Watson,Brett Lee and Shaun Marsh were also named in the squad despite currently recovering from injuries.

Symonds thanked the board and said he was appreciative of the support shown by the CA and was looking forward to get back to action. “I’m grateful that I’ve got the chance to get back to playing for Australia again,” he said. “Hopefully the boys go well in South Africa tonight and for the rest of the series because I’d love to be back in the rooms with them sometime down the track,” he added.