Symonds mulls over a T20 comeback

Andrew Symonds is considering coming out of retirement to play a limited amount of T20 cricket.

Symonds, who retired in February 2012 citing family reasons, has so enjoyed his experience of playing in the Masters Champions League - he is representing Capricorn Commanders in the tournament for players who have retired from international cricket - that he is mulling over offers to play more mainstream tournaments in the coming months.

And, even if Symonds, now 40, ultimately decides against a playing comeback, he believes he could contribute to the game in a coaching role.

He did some consulting work with the Australian Twenty20 team in South Africa in the lead-up to the World T20 in 2014 and has also had a loose advisory role with Brisbane Heat in BBL.

"People have asked me: 'would you consider starting up again?'" Symonds told ESPNcricinfo. "It's something I've definitely got to consider.

"I suppose I'm in a situation where I could go back, try and get really fit and engage again. Or just be happy doing what I'm doing. That's something I've got to work out in the next six months or so.

"I'm enjoying playing. It's physically demanding, but I'm enjoying the challenge again. I'm enjoying the adrenalin and the nerves again. It's not too bad at all. I am enjoying it."

For all his success - and Symonds played in World Cup-winning sides, set world records and finished with a Test batting average in excess of 40 - there is a sense that his was a talent not entirely fulfilled.

A series of disciplinary misdemeanours saw his international career end prematurely when he was sent home ahead of the 2009 World T20, aged 33, but he believes his experience - particularly his experience in limited-overs cricket and playing in Asian conditions - could prove beneficial to another generation of players.

"There's a lot of 'could haves' with me," Symonds admitted. "I'm probably a bit too old now to play really seriously. I've a good life. I've had a good life through cricket. I'm not unhappy. Life is really good. I've a young family now. It's probably the greatest thing we've ever done.

"But I'm also considering maybe going into the coaching side of things now. I wouldn't want to burden anyone with my presence for too long, but a bit of consultancy work would be good. Going in for a couple of weeks and then leaving them alone: match awareness; how to finish games; setting totals; tactics against certain types of bowling or on certain surfaces.

"I ended up playing a lot of cricket in the sub-continent and a lot of teams struggle when they go there. If I can pass on my experience, that may be helpful for them.

"I've probably a few decisions to make in the next little bit."