Brisbane, Dec.8 (ANI): Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds is preparing for another feisty Test summer against the South Africans, following last year's run-ins with Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
According to the Daily Telegraph, there is no love lost between Symonds and South Africans, whom he has labelled as "humourless".
Several of the Proteas top players have vivid memories of clashing with Symonds during Australia's 2006 tour of South Africa, and some privately admit they cannot stand the controversial all rounder.
One of South Africa's favourite moments of the series came in Durban when an Ntini bouncer struck Symonds a vicious blow near the mouth.
A bloodied and battered Symonds batted on, but only after fiery South African quick Andre Nel sledged him about being scared.
Also in that series, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was referring to Symonds when he insisted the South Africans had lost respect for some Australian players.
"For whatever reason, the South Africans took a dislike to me," Symonds writes in his book, Roy: Going for Broke.
"Although I found them a bit humourless on occasion, I could understand why they sometimes react the way they do," he adds.
The Proteas arrived in Western Australia yesterday, and will begin training today.
Skipper Ricky Ponting insists Symonds is a certain inclusion for the first Test with selectors set to meet tomorrow to choose Australia's squad.
Fellow allrounder Shane Watson will also be named in Australia's squad and his chances of playing have improved with off spinner Jason Krejza still struggling with injury.
It could be a make-or-break series for Symonds, who has rarely been at his best against South Africa - scoring 223 runs in six Tests at the modest average of 24.78.
Meanwhile, South African star Jacques Kallis has described Symonds' as an interesting sort of character on and off the field.
The terse relationship between Symonds and South African skipper Graeme Smith could also provide another fascinating sub-plot to this summer's Test battle.
In 2006, Symonds was asked to leave a Cape Town nightclub after an apparent row involving Smith and South African rugby players.(ANI)
|
|
Comments:
