Share Email Feedback Print

Allrounder's off-field troubles continue

Symonds involved in pub incident

Cricinfo staff

November 24, 2008

Text size: A | A


Andrew Symonds has found himself in more controversy a week after being welcomed back into the Australia team following a suspension for poor behaviour © Getty Images
 

Cricket Australia is investigating an incident surrounding Andrew Symonds after he was involved in a confrontation with a patron in a Brisbane hotel on Sunday night. Symonds said he was sharing some drinks with other players and "did not in any way provoke this situation".

"A member of the public acted unreasonably towards me while I was with friends at which time I took steps to remove myself from the situation," Symonds said in a statement. "The member of the public was subsequently removed from the premises as a result of his actions."

Symonds was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald to be drinking with players from the Australian rugby league side following the cricket team's 149-run win against New Zealand at the Gabba. The Test was Symonds' first one back following a suspension for going fishing before the one-day series against Bangladesh in August instead of attending a team meeting.

"We are getting as much information as possible to establish what did and did not happen," a Cricket Australia spokesman told AAP. "We understand there was an altercation."

Symonds must now wait on the outcome, which could lead to another ban or, at worst, the loss of his lucrative contract. While Symonds claims to have been provoked, some of those close to the allrounder were disappointed he allowed himself to get into a bad position so soon after his return. The Normanby Hotel in Red Hill, where the incident occurred, is not recommended as a venue for a quiet drink in Brisbane.

He scored 26 and 20 in the first Test, did not take a wicket and held his spot in the squad ahead of Shane Watson, who was dropped for the second Test in Adelaide. In the lead-up to the game Symonds admitted he had been drinking too much before the Darwin incident.

During the two-month break from the game he underwent psychological help and returned knowing he was on his last chance. "I would also like to take the opportunity to clarify reports last week that I am being treated for alcohol addiction," he said. "I am being treated for a stress-related illness and I remain committed to dealing with these issues."

Post this story on your favourite website Email this page to a friend Feedback Print this page
FeedbackTop
Share
E-mail
Feedback
Print
Cricinfo staffClose
Country Fixtures Country Results
England v Australia at Cardiff - Jul 8-12
England 435 Australia 249/1
Australia A v Pakistan A at Brisbane
Jul 10 (09:00 local, 23:00 GMT)
Eng Women v Aus Women at Worcester
Jul 10-13 (11:00 local, 10:00 GMT)
Australia A v Pakistan A at Brisbane
Jul 12 (09:00 local, 23:00 GMT)
Australia A v Pakistan A at Brisbane
Jul 16 (09:00 local, 23:00 GMT)
England v Australia at Lord's
Jul 16-20 (11:00 local, 10:00 GMT)
Complete fixtures »
  • ESPN Cricinfo

Sponsored Links

NoPurchaseNecessary. Subject toOfficial Rules

At Cricshop

Rogers Business Internet

Citibank

and get a calling card

Cricinfo Cricket Quiz

International 20-20 special edition

The Cricinfo Daily

Our e-mail newsletter

Cricinfo on Facebook

Get the cricket banter going