It was painful to see mauling of Aussies by India: Symonds

Melbourne, Nov 14 (UNI) Controversial all-rounder Andrew Symonds has revealed that it was tough being at home in Queensland, Where he could do nothing but to see the mauling of his side by India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Symonds, who missed the India tour due to 'gone fishing' episode, said, ''It did hurt, watching the boys go through what they went thruogh in India, and there were a couple of times where I was sitting there and I wanted to be the next in to bat.'' ''Hopefully, to be back will be a great feeling because it did hurt me deep down inside to be out of it for a while there,'' he added.

Symonds has completed a two-month Cricket Australia rehabilitation programme, which followed his axing from the squad in Darwin when he went fishing instead of attending a team meeting.

The selectors have shown faith in Symonds despite his disappointing Sheffield Shield efforts in the past month, when he has scored 80 runs at 13.33 in three games.

''I earned the right to wear my baggy green cap, and I lost that through my own stupidity, so now hopefully I can regain it and wear it with distinction,'' Symonds told AAP.

''Bear in mind, I wasn't dropped from the side for form but I'll be doing my best to get myself back into batting form. Some of the wickets we've played on have been very difficult.'' UNI XC CS RC HT1237