Queensland coach lays down the law for Symonds
Brisbane, Jan. 27 : Queensland cricket team coach Trevor Barsby has told troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds that all support mechanisms are in place to help him deal with his problems, but ultimately, it was up to him to take charge of his life.
"He is a big boy, so, he must realize that he has to take control of his own destiny. He has the full support of current and former players - and a direct line to some counsellors - but at the end of the day the buck stops with him," the Daily Telegraph quoted Barsby, as saying.
"We can help him as much as possible but, we can''t baby sit him. Roy needs to choose to do something about things and take ownership. He is a grown man and he''s got to be aware of the consequences of his actions,'''' Barsby added.
The straightforward comments came as Symonds prepares to be hit with a charge today under Cricket Australia''s code of behaviour for making detrimental public comments about Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum.
He called McCullum a "lump of shit'''' during a rambling and alcohol-fuelled radio interview last week, after the latter was chosen by New South Wales to play in a Twenty20 final against Victoria in preference to a home player.
Symonds faces the possibility of being pitch forked into a bulked-up psychological and alcohol rehabilitation course that threatens his selection for next month''s South African Test tour.
Barsby, a former Queensland opener, said that Symonds had to help himself to turn the corner.
Symonds has been named in a Queensland squad for a Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia starting on Friday at the Gabba. (ANI)