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The smile finally returned to Andrew Symonds’ face on day one of the first Test against New Zealand at the Gabba on Thursday. However, it was wiped away just as quickly.
Symonds couldn’t help but laugh after he became only the third batsman in Test history to record eight runs off one delivery to rocket to 26 in his comeback innings.
Incredibly, he had been dropped off the previous Iain O’Brien delivery.
But, typical of Symonds’ rollercoaster year, the all-rounder’s fortunes changed dramatically a short time later in his much-anticipated Test return.
Symonds’ trademark zinc-smeared mouth grinned ear to ear after he ran four, then watched the throw return whiz past the keeper and down to the boundary for a rare eight off one delivery.
It was also a rare light moment for Symonds who at one stage contemplated giving the game away following his Test exile for the now infamous “gone fishing” controversy.
However, Symonds crashed back to earth two balls later when he nibbled at a sharp O’Brien delivery and was caught behind.
The stage had been set for Symonds to dramatically complete the transition from sinner to saint in his first Test since reaching rock bottom at the Top End.
Symonds joined vice-captain Michael Clarke at the crease with Australia in trouble at 4-96.
Clarke had been part of the leadership group that sent Symonds home from September’s one-day series against Bangladesh in Darwin.
After the pair claimed to have patched up their strained friendship before the first Test following Symonds’ surprise return, Australia were hoping they could rebuild their first innings.
It wasn’t to be – but Clarke was simply happy to see his new best buddy by his side.
“It was great to see him out there. He played well but he got a good ball,” said Clarke, who hit 98 to boost Australia’s first innings to 214.
“I think he was very nervous to start off with, as we all were. But he came good. Once he got a couple in the middle he was away and played the way he enjoys playing.
“It’s good to have him back.”
Symonds may have caused plenty of debate in cricket circles but it was clear the crowd supported his sudden Test call-up, judging by the cheer that greeted the burly Queenslander as he walked out to bat.
At first Symonds justified the raised eyebrows from critics.
Looking out-of-sorts, Symonds took eight balls to get off the mark.
He then raced from four to 16 with three consecutive boundaries off all-rounder Geoff Elliott – a mistimed loft, a leg glance and a mighty pull.
But that was nothing compared to the events of the 46th over.
First Symonds pulled O’Brien to Aaron Redmond, only for the opener to drop the low chance at short mid-wicket.
Next ball Symonds made a bit of history – and had a bit of a giggle – with his eight-run haul.
However, two deliveries later it was no laughing matter for Symonds.
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