Team mates happy about Symonds' comeback

Melbourne, Nov 12 (UNI) As Andrew Symonds is all set to make a comeback into the Australian side in a Twenty20 exhibition match against All-Stars outfit, members of the team are happy and eager to welcome the all-rounder with open arms back to the squad.

However, it will be the first time that Symonds will rejoin his international colleagues after he was sent home from the ODI series in Darwin in August, for missing a crucial team meeting and go for fishing.

Skipper Ricky Ponting, who will miss the game, said he was certain that Symonds would be welcomed by his team-mates having completed his welfare programme.

''The Twenty20 game in Brisbane on Friday is a perfect way and opportunity for him to comeback into the Australian team,'' Ponting said after he returns from India.

He said, ''Speaking to him the other night, he's going to sit in the room and he's going to almost be like a guy that's been picked for the first time again. He's going to sit back and wait and see what sort of reception comes his way which I'm pretty sure is going to be very positive from all of us.'' Symonds' inclusion in the one-off Twenty20 game will however open door for him to make a comeback to the Test squad as well.

The squad for the opening Test against New Zealand will be announced tomorrow. After being thrashed by India in the four-Test series 2-0, which comes as one of their biggest defeat, chances lay strong that the selectors might rush him straight back into the squad.

''He's a great bloke and a great guy to have around the dressing room and particularly when things are tough,'' Michael Hussey said.

''It's important to have great characters and it's important to have great characters like Andrew Symonds around the team, and as I said particularly when things are tough,'' he affirmed.

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