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Andrew Symonds in frame for Australia

Influential all-rounder Andrew Symonds could make a surprise return from injury for Australia against the Netherlands on Sunday.

Symonds has been sidelined since the Commonwealth Bank series following surgery to repair a torn bicep muscle.

But captain Ricky Ponting has revealed that the fit-again 31-year-old could make his comeback against the Dutch.
He said: "Symonds was saying on the bus yesterday (Wednesday) that he is ready to play now.

"He'd play with one arm if he could - the next few days are crucial if he's going to play against the Netherlands."
Australia cruised to a 203-run win over Scotland on Wednesday without Symonds and Ponting added his countryman will not be risked if there is any doubt over his match fitness.

"There will be some discussion this week about him playing the next game," Ponting added. "We will just have to see how he comes along."

Ponting top scored for the Aussies against Scotland with 113 as the tournament favourites made 334. He is trading at 1.75 to end cricket's showpiece event as his country's top batsman.
He can also be backed at 4.2 to end the World Cup as the top run scorer.

• Cricket
• Australia Cricket