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Andrew Symonds has returned to form and deserves to be handed a spot in Australia’s Ashes tour party, according to his Indian Premier League coach Darren Lehmann.
After a summer to forget and a quiet return to international cricket, Symonds has been written off by many as a contender for a place in the Test squad to England, due to be named on Wednesday.
But Lehmann, who as the guiding hand for the Deccan Chargers has helped lift them from an ignominious last in the inaugural IPL to third so far in 2009, said Symonds had re-discovered his touch.
“He’s good, he’s in good nick, he’s enjoying cricket and enjoying being with us, and I’m sure he’d enjoy being back with Australia as well,” Lehmann told AAP.
In five matches Symonds has tallied 174 runs at 43.5 while also pouching three wickets, but given the considerable gap between Twenty20 and Tests the view of a seasoned observer like Lehmann carries as much weight as any mere statistics.
“Very much so, very much so, I’ve been very impressed with him,” Lehmann said when asked whether Symonds was up to another international task.
“He knows the bowlers well, he’s played against England many a time, and he’s in form – at the moment I can honestly say he is in form – he’s batting really well, and if they pick him it’d be great for him.
“The Australian side is still a better side with him in it.”
Lehmann and national captain Ricky Ponting have both been in Symonds’ corner over several years, as much for his ability to swing a game as anything else.
The squad to tour England will require a balance between youth, experience, role-players and matchwinners, and Symonds’ proven capacity to dominate a session or more will weigh heavily in his favour, particularly now he appears to have toned down his behaviour.
Rivals for the allrounder’s spot include Shane Watson and Andrew McDonald.
Both are solid citizens but neither can be as explosive with the bat, nor in the field, as Symonds at his best.
“He can win you a game at any time and that’s important to have, when he’s at the crease you are never out of it,” Lehmann said.
“His fielding is dynamic and he can bowl a few handy overs for you and that’s all important as well.”
The other major poser for the national selectors appears to be that of reserve batsman, with Brad Hodge and Callum Ferguson both having strong claims.
“(Ferguson v Hodge) depends on whether they’re going to go for youth or experience,” Lehmann said.
“It doesn’t really matter (who they pick), they’re both quality players, so whichever way they go will be the best for the line-up when they tour.
“It’s a tight call, probably too tight to call.”
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