Symonds Out Of South African Tour

Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been left out of the touring party for South Africa. With fellow all-rounder Shane Watson also sitting out with injury, Andrew MacDonald is expected to retain his spot in the team. With this exclusion, Andrew Symonds has been forced out of second consecutive overseas tour. He was also left out of Australia's tour to India, after he skipped the team meeting and went fishing. He was subsequently brought back for the home summer but his form was patchy and he was injured during the series against South Africa. While recuperating from injury, he was again in hot water for calling Kiwi wicket keeper Brendon McCullum as a lump of s***. He has subsequently returned from injury and has been playing for his state side Queensland Bulls, but his form has not improved. It must be noted that Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has been pressing for Symonds inclusion in the team. With the team already in transition after the retirements of several stalwarts, the exclusion of Symonds has depleted the experience of the squad further.

After the retirement of Matthew Hayden, an opening slot is up for grabs and rookie opener Phil Hughes, Phil Jaques and Chris Rogers are the favourities to seal the spot. In the pace bowling department,with Stuart Clark and Brett Lee still recovering, Doug Bollinger may get another chance to press his claims. It should be noted that Australia has lost the home series against South Africa this summer. If they lose the series in South Africa, they will be officially stripped of their status as No1 test team in the world. They already lost their No1 ranking in ODI's against South Africa.