Two counties chase Symonds

Andrew Symonds carries the drinks after being left out of the Australian side on disciplinary grounds earlier in the month © Getty Images

While Andrew Symonds might have upset Kent, his old employers, after becoming an part of a dressing-room row with Ed Smith last summer, it seems that other counties are willing to take a chance on his undoubted talent on the pitch overcoming off-field issues.

It is being reported that Lancashire and Nottinghamshire have approached Symonds, who will be available once the one-day part of the Australians' tour is completed in mid July. While Symonds is an integral part of the Australian ODI side, he is not included in their Test squad.

Lancashire, who are looking for a high-profile replacement for Muttiah Muralitharan, are thought to be the front runners, with the Manchester Evening News claiming that the county were the "hot favourites". Nottinghamshire are believed to have given Symonds a deadline of the end of the week to make a decision.

Thoughts that he Birmingham-born Symonds might be tempted by a return to Gloucestershire, where he began his professional career, were soon scotched when he turned down a tentaive approach from them. Gloucestershire are expected to turn their attention to signing South African Ashwell Prince.