Symonds Commits Himself To English Cricket (20 Apr 1996)

20 April 1996

Symonds commits himself to English cricket

London - Twenty-year-old Andrew Symonds who refused a place in the England A side to tour Pakistan last year because he wanted to play for Australia, has decided to stick to English cricket. Symonds, who was born in Birmingham but brought up in Australia, signed a three-year contract with Gloucestershire which includes a clause saying he will be available to play for England if selected.

Last year Symonds scored 1,438 runs for Gloucestershire and hit a world record 20 sixes against Glamorgan.

He then declined to join the England A side, returning to Australia to play for Queensland but failed to win selection in the national side.

England chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth said: "I know how I felt last year and so far my feelings have not changed.``

Illingworth said last September: "There won`t be any second chance for him.``

Source :: Daily News (http.//www.lanka.net)