Symonds included in preliminary Oz Twenty20 squad for World Cup

Symonds included in preliminary Oz Twenty20 squad for World CupSydney, Apr 3 : Australian all rounder Andrew Symonds and three uncapped players have been selected in the team's preliminary 30-man squad for this year's Twenty20 world championship in England.

Symonds had a shocking season and suffered from injury, poor form and controversy in addition to undergoing counselling for personal problems.

The three uncapped players among the group are Western Australian spinner Aaron Heal, Victorian batsman Rob Quiney and South Australian wicketkeeper Graham Manou.

Symonds' inclusion will give the 33-year-old the chance to resurrect his international career following his struggles since he was sent home from Darwin last year, when he went fishing instead of attending a team meeting, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

He underwent counselling following that episode, but struggled throughout the international summer and then was involved in several alcohol-related controversies this year.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Symonds "had reached a point where it was appropriate to consider him for international selection, subject only to fitness and form."

"Cricket Australia and Andrew have been speaking, as have members of the team leadership group, and we are satisfied he is committed to doing the things needed of an Australian international cricketer," he said.

Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said his panel had chosen a squad based on performances in the shortest format at international level and in the domestic Twenty20 competition.

The preliminary squad will be halved to 15 in the lead-up to the tournament, which begins in June and precedes the Ashes series. (ANI)

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