Indian Premier League - IPL / Paul Moon / 09 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Having been given more chances and reprieves than Andrew Flintoff, Graeme Hick and Phil Tufnell put together, Andrew Symonds is back in the Australian selectors' plans with the Twenty20 World Cup and even the Ashes in mind. But why is that, asks Paul Moon.

Certain sportsmen have a propensity to divide and polarise opinion and in cricket one such man comes in the shape of troubled Australian all rounder Andrew Symonds. Regrettably his lack of commitment, discretion and foolish behaviour arm his detractors throughout the cricket world.

Whether touring or playing at home the surly larrikin is hard to manage and infuriates selectors and captains alike. A real change of attitude is unlikely. So what do national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch and Test captain Ricky Ponting do about him? They gamble by giving him a full pardon!

Cricket Australia cleared him for duty following a second counselling and rehabilitation program. He had been impressing with his reinvigorated work ethic at training and reports coming from Hilditch and Ponting suggests that he is still the best number six in Australia and well ahead of the injury-plagued Shane Watson.

Conversely, his coach at Queensland Trevor Barsby says he has not done enough to get back into the Australian squad. A knee injury has limited his bowling and he is not ready after a poor Sheffield Shield season.

Setting aside his numerous indiscretions he has been recalled for the Twenty20 World Cup 2009, to be hosted by England. Latest Betfair odds show: India [4.3] Australia [5.6] South Africa [5.6] Pakistan [9.2] Sri Lanka [9.2] England [9.8] West Indies [12] New Zealand [12.5] Bar [55].

Normally the Aussies do not suffer fools and are pretty tough on discipline. With the exception of Shane Warne it is rare they turn a blind eye but they have clearly compromised this time. I will not use the word desperation or the phrase 'on a wing and a prayer' but you sense they crave his presence and talent with such an important summer ahead. Current form has taken second place to history.

Twice a World Cup winner, he is one of the most explosive and aggressive cricketers in the modern day game. He is branded as a one-day International 'specialist' as his ODI record with both ball and bat are far better than that of his Test match averages but he remains a tremendous Test cricketer.

Symonds missed the initial part of the IPL due to commitments with the Australian ODI team out in Dubai but he has since rejoined the Deccan Chargers refreshed. He scored an unbeaten 60 off just 36 balls on his return against the Kings Punjab XI which should have been enough to secure a win and would have, had it not been for a late blast from his Aussie team-mate Brett Lee.

Deccan Chargers' fans will remember him for his explosive 53-ball 117 against Rajasthan Royals last year but apart from that there was little else to cheer. Despite having him (let's not forget he was the most expensive player in the first IPL auction) and Adam Gilchrist in the squad, they disappointed and finished bottom.

With the news of his Australian recall reverberating he is sure to make a considerable impact in the remaining IPL games. Without him the Chargers have started much better this year and are one of the favourites to win the competition. The odds n Betfair at the moment on this year's IPL winner are Delhi Daredevils [3.6] Chennai Super Kings [4.1] Deccan Chargers [5.2] Rajasthan Royals [5.5] Mumbai Indians [15] Kings XI Punjab [16.5] Bangalore Royal Challengers [17] Kolkata Knight Riders [180]

Obviously Symonds is drinking in the last chance saloon right now but assuming there are no further concerns he will feature in the Ashes series. It is patently clear that when he is not playing in the Test side the Aussies miss this vital cog (a la Andrew Flintoff). He is not the usual breed of cricketer and his individuality gels nicely below the established batsmen. His fielding prowess is unequalled.

Apart from his batting, bowling and fielding I expect him to replace Hayden as the person in charge of entente cordiale. To win the Ashes series Betfair prices accurately reflect England's task: England [3.55] Australia [1.77] Draw [6.4]. Surely England represent a great lay at these prices?