Name : Symonds Andrew
Born : June 9, 1975
Right – hand bat
Test cap number: 388
One- day cap number: 139
Profile:
Built his reputation as a Boxing Day Test specialist with 156, his maiden Test century, at the MCG against England last December, and leapt into the arms of his great Queensland mate Matthew Hayden to celebrate. A year earlier, he signalled his arrival as a Test all-rounder in the corresponding match when he blasted 72 from 54 balls against South Africa and captured three crucial wickets with his medium-pacers. Spent some time in the Test wilderness between those games, losing his place when the selectors opted for five specialist bowlers against Bangladesh. Was recalled to the Test team last December after the retirement of Damien Martyn. Made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in March 2004, but played only the first two Tests. Regained his place for the Test series against West Indies and South Africa in 2005-06. Ripped a biceps tendon off the bone while batting during the Commonwealth Bank Series last season, and had surgery to re-attach it. Without him, Australia suffered its worst losing streak in a decade, dropping five games in succession immediately before the World Cup. Returned in the preliminary stage of the tournament, and was part of Australia’s 2007 triumph four years after his stunning breakthrough as a one-day batsman at the 2003 World Cup. There, he scored 326 runs at a strike rate of 90.55, starting with his memorable 143 not out against Pakistan. Was suspended for two matches during the One-day International leg of the 2005 tour of England after he was found to have stayed out late ahead of a game against Bangladesh in Cardiff. In his absence, Australia lost the match, its first ever defeat to Bangladesh. When he returned he made 229 runs at an average of 57.25 and took six wickets, including a career-best 5-18 against Bangladesh in Manchester. Holds the record for the most sixes in a first-class innings and match (16 and 20 respectively), for Gloucestershire against Glamorgan at Abergavenny in 1995, scoring 254 not out and 76. Also regarded as one of the world’s best fielders. Born in Birmingham, he turned down a chance to play for England A in 1995-96 in order to remain available for Australian selection.
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