SA omission might save Symmo's career: Warne

Updated on: 05 February,2009 07:52 AM IST |
PTI |

Spin legend Shane Warne feels dropping Andrew Symonds from the Australia squad for the tour of South Africa could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the troubled all-rounder who could use this break to revive his sagging cricket career

"Ruling Andrew Symonds out of the South Africa tour is the best thing that could happen," Warne said.

"It may save his career. First, the time off gives him a chance to find form in the domestic competition.

Second, he gets time to fix his off-field problems and continue rehab.

"Ultimately, I would bring him back in the one-day team (but the Test side is another story)," said the spin legend.

Warne's a fan

Warne was sympathetic to Symonds' problems saying trying to do many things at the same time was giving him trouble.

"I am a big fan of Roy. He has been honest with himself and is dealing with his issues. The problem is he's in rehab and trying to get back into the international side at the same time. By not being picked for the South Africa trip, Roy has his best chance to fight his way back into the Test side," Warne wrote in his column in The Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, Symonds will meet Cricket Australia officials tomorrow and tell them he is determined to fight on and that he is not about to give up his dream of playing in this year's Ashes series after the latest setbacks.

The purpose of today's meeting is to map out the next phase for Symonds, who has been asked to undergo further rehabilitation before he can be considered for selection.

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