Melbourne, Nov 16 : Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has welcomed all-rounder Andrew Symonds back into the team, saying he was a 'great team man'.

Symonds, who was suspended by Cricket Australia for his "fishing escapades" earlier this year in West Indies, has been selected in the Test team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand.

Referring to Symonds, Ponting said "he's a great team man and a great player", reported the Courier Mail.

"He's someone we look forward to having around," the paper quoted him as saying.

Ponting said he had been in touch with Symonds during his rehabilitation process, and was confident he was ready to return. "I've spoken to him quite a few times over the past few weeks and he just wants to get back into playing cricket for Australia again," he added.

ANI