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Australia bring back Symonds

Image: Symonds: Working hard in the nets

All-rounder Andrew Symonds has been included in Australia's preliminary squad for this year's ICC World Twenty20.

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All-rounder named in 30-man party ahead of tournament in June

Andrew Symonds has been included in Australia's preliminary squad for this year's ICC World Twenty20. A season blighted by injury, poor form and controversy means the influential all-rounder has not played for his country since the Boxing Day Test against South Africa. But despite his past problems, which culminated in the 33-year-old enrolling in counselling, he has been named in a 30-man party for the tournament in England. "I'm grateful that I've got the chance to get back to playing for Australia again," Symonds said. "Hopefully, the boys go well in South Africa on Friday and for the rest of the series because I'd love to be back in the rooms with them again sometime down the track." Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the selectors had been advised Symonds had reached a point in his counselling where it was appropriate to consider him for international selection, subject to fitness and form. "Cricket Australia and Andrew have been speaking, as have members of the team leadership group, and we are satisfied he is committed to doing the things needed of an Australian international cricketer," Sutherland said. Chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, added:" At his best Andrew is one of the most dynamic Twenty20 players in the world and his progress will be monitored leading up to the selection of the final 15." Batsman Brad Hodge is another to be recalled, while recovering players Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh have also been included. There are three uncapped players in the squad in Western Australian spinner Aaron Heal, Victoria batsman Rob Quiney and South Australia wicketkeeper Graham Manou. The final squad will be whittled down to 15 by May 5. Australia squad: Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Callum Ferguson, Brett Geeves, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Shane Harwood, Nathan Hauritz, Aaron Heal, Moises Henriques, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Ben Laughlin, Brett Lee, Graham Manou, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Rob Quiney, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

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