 Symonds has a Test batting average of over 40 |
All-rounder Andrew Symonds has retained his place as one of Cricket Australia's centrally contracted players despite a series of warnings over his conduct. The Birmingham-born 33-year-old, who was out for a duck in last week's Twenty20 defeat by Pakistan, has also struggled with injuries. Middlesex's Phillip Hughes is included while Nathan Hauritz is the only specialist spinner to win a place. Pace bowler Shaun Tait, however, is not included on the 25-man list. New South Wales' David Warner is also without a deal despite an astonishing Twenty20 debut against South Africa in January. He smashed 89 runs from 43 balls against the Proteas in Melbourne but has failed to pass the half-century mark in his last seven international innings. The inclusion of South Australia's Graham Manou suggests he will provide back-up to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin for the Ashes.  | 606: DEBATE |
Symonds returned to the Aussies' set-up earlier this year after a spell out of action because of disciplinary issues. In January, he was fined by Cricket Australia over a remark he made in a radio interview and has had a history of off-field disciplinary problems. However, his inclusion on the list makes him eligible for a return to his birth country for the Ashes series in England this summer. Matthew Hayden and Stuart MacGill's retirements opened up two more places on the list, while batsmen Phil Jaques and Adam Voges and bowlers Beau Casson and Ashley Noffke were also overlooked. Callum Ferguson, Andrew McDonald, Marcus North and Peter Siddle are the other players rewarded with year-long agreements. Contracts are awarded to players based on their form over the past 12 months, their likelihood of playing for Australia in the next 12 months.
Cricket Australia's centrally contracted players: Doug Bollinger
Nathan Bracken
Stuart Clark
Michael Clarke
Callum Ferguson
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Brad Hodge
James Hopes
Phillip Hughes
David Hussey
Mike Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Simon Katich
Brett Lee
Graham Manou
Shaun Marsh
Andrew McDonald
Marcus North
Ricky Ponting
Peter Siddle
Andrew Symonds
Shane Watson
Cameron White
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