CA bosses say Symonds knows what he has to do to regain his spot

Melbourne, Feb.6 (ANI): Cricket Australia officals have said that all rounder Andrew Symonds knows what he has to do to regain his spot in the Australian cricket team, and added that they will offer him all the support he needs to get back.

This message was conveyed to Symonds at a meeting at Cricket Australia's Jolimont headquarters.

While the 33-year-old left CA chief executive James Sutherland in no doubt about his desire to return to international cricket, he was made to realize that he has a great deal of work to do to convince his employers he is emotionally fit to represent his country again.

"I don't think he is under illusions as to where he is up to, and what was very clear to me in the room today was that everyone was very supportive of him and very focused on one thing, and that is getting Andrew Symonds back on deck with a fantastic foundation to make sure he can make a big contribution to Australian cricket," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Sutherland, as saying after the meeting, where Symonds was accompanied by his counsellors.

"Andrew is looking forward ... He knows he has over the next few weeks a fantastic opportunity to prove that he is back and ready to go, and that's not only in the context of what he needs to do with Queensland Cricket but also in working with the people who are helping him with some of his off-field issues, "Sutherland added.

"Andrew is making all the right signals. I have a pretty clear understanding of what he has been through over the past couple of months ... and there is some quite significant progress he has made. I'm confident that can continue," he said.

Symonds, stood down by the board after his on-air derision of Kiwis' gloveman Brendon McCullum, is also dealing with the break-up with long-time girlfriend Katie Johnson. He is expected to play for the Bulls in a one-day game against Victoria next week, and his international status will be reviewed at the end of the domestic season.

Sutherland said CA was conscious of the need to support players as long tours could put pressure on family life and relationships. (ANI)