Dubai, Apr. 22 : Australian cricketers have welcomed Andrew Symonds back into their fold despite his poor form, both on and off the field.

Australia''s acting skipper Michael Clarke said the way Symonds played in his comeback series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates would be vital to his future prospects.

And Clarke said it was up to the all-rounder to decide whether he also needed to prove anything off the field, after several recent disciplinary lapses resulted in him being removed from the team to undergo counselling.

"Obviously Cricket Australia have made it clear that he was right to come back and as captain of this team I''ve tried to make him as welcome as possible. He''ll be treated like everybody else, he knows what''s expected to be an international cricketer for Australia and I''m sure he''ll uphold that," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke, as saying.

Clarke said the talented all-rounder had a debt to repay with the way he performed with bat, ball and in the field, after being selected despite mediocre recent form with Queensland.

He averaged just 15.15 for the Bulls in eight first-class matches over the past summer and also struggled for runs in the one-day domestic competition.

"They''ve obviously shown faith in him again by re-selecting him for this tour," Clarke said.

With Australia next heading to England for the Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes tour, Clarke said Symonds needed to seize this chance. (ANI)