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Symonds determined to be a free spirit

12/12/2006 05:36:33 AM Comments (0)

Allrounder Andrew Symonds is determined to play as a free spirit if he gets a call-up to the Australian team for the third Ashes Test against England starting at the WACA Ground on Thursday.

The limited-overs star admits pressure caused him to clam up in his past 10 Tests, but he's been told by coach John Buchanan to try to enjoy the moment.

"I was in the bathroom putting suncream on and the coach came to me and said 'I just want you to play freely and with your free spirit attitude'," Symonds said.

"(He said): 'Don't worry about results. Results will look after themselves if you just go out there and enjoy yourself'."

Martyn's retirement, the selectors' desire to play an allrounder and Shane Watson's sore hamstring have all given Symonds a golden chance to fulfil his all-round talents after 10 largely disappointing Tests in two-and-a-half years.

Symonds' good recent Pura Cup performance at the WACA Ground, when he took 3-18 with his outswingers and then 2-96 with his offspin against Western Australia, should also hold the allrounder in good stead on a wicket expected to spin the longer the Test lasts.

England, which must win or draw in Perth to keep the series alive, will resume training on Tuesday after attending the Elton John concert on Monday night.

Australia will train on Tuesday as it continues its push to regain the Ashes this weekend, as it leads the series 2-0.

Australia is likely to wait until the first morning of the match before it announces its team.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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