Sydney, Feb. 4: Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting is convinced that troubled all rounder Andrew Symonds will make a comeback to international cricket sooner than later.

The Courier-Mail quoted Ponting as saying on Tuesday on the sidelines of a ceremony to give away the Allan Border Medal for
2008-09 that he was a strong supporter of Symonds and the value he brought to the Australian team.

"Everything he has said is obviously pretty positive about wanting to represent Australia again as much as he can. We''re all cricketers, we all want to play as many games for Australia as we possibly can. The ball is back in his court now and with a couple of months until we return from South Africa, hopefully everything progresses while we''re away," Ponting said.

"It''s all down to him now, he''s got to work out for himself whether it''s really what he wants to do. He''s been saying all the right things and, for the majority, doing all the right things. I certainly wish him all the best - he''s been a good friend of mine and a good teammate of mine over the years," he added.

CA stopped short of tearing up Symonds''s contract but handed him an arduous assignment to win back his baggy green cap as it increased the frequency of his psychological rehab program.

There will be a fresh focus on Symonds''s psychological course - focusing on alcohol and anger management issues - with formal fortnightly reports set to be delivered to CA bosses. (ANI)