Teammates demand attitude overhaul by Symonds

Australian cricketing all-rounder Andrew Symonds may have made all the right noises on Tuesday to win back the trust of his team mates, but if a report in The Age is to be believed, the Kangaroos are demanding a complete attitude overhaul and a penitent heart as well.

Brisbane, Sept.17 : Australian cricketing all-rounder Andrew Symonds may have made all the right noises on Tuesday to win back the trust of his team mates, but if a report in The Age is to be believed, the Kangaroos are demanding a complete attitude overhaul and a penitent heart as well.

"I'm in a position of responsibility and I can't live irresponsibly. I've realized that. It's probably taken me longer than it should have. I'm prepared to move on. I'm going through a confidential, professional process in order to help me make better decisions and become a better person," Symonds had said on Tuesday.

At 33, he will need to demonstrate his world-beating form of the past 12 months, as well as repentance, to again win the favour of the Andrew Hilditch led selection panel.

"At the moment, (Symonds' selection) is something I don't want to think about it? It would only undermine the players that are there. It's brilliant that he has got to this stage and put out a positive message, but I don't even want to start speculating about when he might return," said Coach Tim Nielsen.

Symonds is more likely to return with his grade side, the Gold Coast Dolphins, over the next fortnight, followed by a few Twenty20 matches for Queensland.

From there, he will have three Sheffield Shield and four domestic one-dayers to prove himself to selectors ahead of the first Test against New Zealand at the Gabba in November.

There are, however, no guarantees. Symonds' ill-advised fishing expedition in Darwin has opened the door for Shane Watson to reclaim the Test all-rounder position he surrendered through injury ahead of the last Ashes series.

Symonds will work with Phil Jauncey, the sports psychologist who helped him through his marriage break-up, as part of a program devised by Cricket Australia.

ANI