Roy, You've Finally Blown It
kirby June 5, 2009
Tags alcohol, andrew symonds, australia, cricket, world t20
Yesterday, Andrew Symonds was removed from the Australian Twenty20 World Championship squad in disgrace. This followed what Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland described as a "24-48 hour period where he breached numerous team rules". This period included Symonds breaching an alcohol ban to have a few drinks while watching the first State of Origin match with friends in London, and taking leave from the team hotel unannounced to coach, captain or management team. The recommendation for Symonds' removal came from the team leadership group consisting of coach Tim Nielsen, captain Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke. Ponting, a long time Symonds supporter, stated it was not appropriate to "a disruptive influence" around an inexperienced team.
Unless a miracle of form or favour occurs, Symonds' international career is over. His only international matches since he infamously went fishing last year came in the UAE earlier this year against Pakistan. Personally, I think this particular act is a disgrace to everything Australian cricket stands for. After his tumultuous 2008, Symonds finally seemed on the alcohol rehabilitation trail, and this was shown in the selection committee taking him to England for the Twenty20 World Championship. But Symonds' acts here are a major disappointment not only to the Australian public, but to the selectors who showed faith in his abilities. One thing I am grateful for is that this didn't occur during the actual Twenty20 World Championship. And can you imagine if this had have happened if he was in the Ashes squad? Roy, you've finally blown it, and you've only got yourself to blame.
Unless a miracle of form or favour occurs, Symonds' international career is over. His only international matches since he infamously went fishing last year came in the UAE earlier this year against Pakistan. Personally, I think this particular act is a disgrace to everything Australian cricket stands for. After his tumultuous 2008, Symonds finally seemed on the alcohol rehabilitation trail, and this was shown in the selection committee taking him to England for the Twenty20 World Championship. But Symonds' acts here are a major disappointment not only to the Australian public, but to the selectors who showed faith in his abilities. One thing I am grateful for is that this didn't occur during the actual Twenty20 World Championship. And can you imagine if this had have happened if he was in the Ashes squad? Roy, you've finally blown it, and you've only got yourself to blame.
