Symonds's career hangs in balance after boozy pub brawl

Andrew SymondsBrisbane, Nov. 24: The international career of Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds is once again hanging in the balance after the all-rounder was allegedly involved in a physical altercation at a Brisbane pub.

Cricket Australia is investigating the alleged incident involving Symonds, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Symonds was understood to have been drinking at the popular Normanby Hotel in Red Hill with several members of the Australian rugby league team when the fight commenced.

The incident is believed to have occurred on Sunday evening, about 12 hours after the Australian cricket team sealed a 149-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at the Gabba, and involved a confrontation between Symonds and a member of the public.

The board could be presented with a difficult decision, given Symonds had returned from suspension only recently and was on his last warning.

Symonds last week spoke on Channel Nine about his expulsion from the Australian one-day squad in Darwin following his much-publicised fishing excursion. He also referred to his rehabilitation program under the eye of Brisbane sports psychologist Phil Jauncey, and admitted alcohol had contributed to his poor off-field attitude.

It is unknown whether Symonds was provoked on Sunday night, or whether he instigated the altercation.

The board''s most extreme course of action would be to shred the remainder of Symonds''s contract, given that he was on a last warning following the Darwin incident. But the all-rounder could be offered a reprieve if he is found not have instigated the fight. (ANI)

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