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Symonds to Go Through Psychological and Alcohol Rehabilitation

by Hannah Punitha on Jan 28 2009 4:21 PM

Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds is likely to be sent to a psychological and alcohol rehabilitation course and may not be considered for February's Test tour to South Africa.

While there is mounting pressure from some Cricket Australia board members to tear up Symonds' contract after his bizarre radio rant, it appears he may not be sacked.

According to Fox Sports, there are serious concerns being expressed about his state of mind.

During a rambling and alcohol-fuelled radio outburst on Friday, Symonds called New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum a "lump of shit" in reference to New South Wales signing him for the final of the domestic Twenty20 competition.

Symonds insists that his comments were made in jest, and he has issued a public apology to McCullum.

"I understand how this has been received differently to the way in which I intended to express myself, and for that I am extremely sorry. I remain committed to and focused on returning to play my best cricket," Symonds was quoted as saying in a statement.

Cricket Australia bosses meet Tuesday to determine Symonds' fate, and the all-rounder is likely to be charged under CA's code of behaviour for making detrimental public comments about an opponent.

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He faces a suspension or a fine of up to 5750 dollars if found guilty.

It is the same charge Matthew Hayden faced for calling India spinner Harbhajan Singh an "obnoxious little weed" on radio last year.

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Influential CA figures are likely to order a review of the confidential psychological program Symonds underwent after last year's "gone fishing" affair in Darwin.

The program, which treated Symonds for a stress-related illness as well as drinking and anger-management issues, is set to be bulked up and more heavily scrutinised.

With an increased focus on Symonds' rehab, he is unlikely to be considered for Australia's squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa to be named next week.

Skipper Ricky Ponting wants Symonds for the South Africa tour, but the chances are he will not get his way. (ANI)

Source-ANI
SPH


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