Symonds turns down return to Lancashire

Andrew Symonds has decided not to commit himself to a full season of county cricket, leaving Lancashire, who had hoped to lure him back for a second summer, searching for a replacement, although he might still a short-term option.

Lancashire's manager Mike Watkinson told the county's website that Symonds, who was their Player of the Year for 2005, had been keen to return but it was "his burning ambition to play Test cricket and he now wanted to cement the place he has earned in the Aussie side."

Although Lancashire do have Brad Hodge signed, he will miss the early weeks as Australia are touring Bangladesh. Another target, Mutiiah Muralitharan, is too tied up with national commitments.