Thank God and (hopefully) Good Riddance

For what it is worth, I have never liked Andrew Symonds from the day I saw him play. He was not a sensation at the time that he is now. Maybe it was his weird hair, facial make-up or the overall bearing. I can't make up my mind on what I liked the least, but the fact is I never liked him. Even when commentators especially the Australian (anyone who has heard an Australian commentator on Channel 9 would understand) never tired of praising him. He was a kind of a late bloomer what with he taking almost full five years to really break out on the international scene during the 2003 World cup in South Africa.

His antics both on the field and off-field started becoming more prominent and visible as he grew in stature. For one thing, he was not a sportsman. He was more of a street fighter whose only concern was to win. Although it might be an admirable quality, but to play unfair & pick up quarrels on the ground is not something that is expected out of a internation sportsman. I am not pretending that cricket is a "Gentleman's game". It is a highly competitive sport but every sport has a bit of sportsmanship left. He had none.

Cricinfo has published the list of his problems on their website as "Dishonour Roll" and I don't think any of the current players would have a longer or equal list. Looking at the list, one wonders how he survived for so long in the international arena. The only answer is Cricket Australia who tolerates (and maybe promotes) this kind of behaviour. Remember the underarm ball by Trevor Chappel? Anyway I think Cricket Australia finally had it with him and have sacked him and this time hopefully for good. I am just concerned that James Sutherland may just let him back in the squad based on, "review and reaffirm his personal documented commitments" for the tour of Pakistan.