Shane Watson once said he would be happy to have Andrew Symonds claim his spot back post rehabilitation. Now that Symonds has completed his recovery process, Watson is crying hoarse about inconsistency. But the skipper himself is trying to rid himself of the dilemma encountered with the two all rounders.
When Watson suffered his string of injuries and loss of form and went into wilderness after scathing criticism from former cricketers, Andrew Symonds burst onto the international scene with a gusto and aggression that only epitomized Australia’s offensive tactics more.
But in a circle of life scenario, Watson went again found himself in the reckoning on the tour to India after Symonds was found having to cope with personal battles brought on by a few delusions about his own role within the team and those suffered from taking on the opposition in undesirable manner and means. Watson was useful to India, to say the least. Ricky Ponting’s only temptation then in blooding Symonds once again in the squad in knowing his imposing figure on the opposition.
As Watson found himself warning the bench against New Zealand, he spoke extensively of the mind games that the player finds himself in when not picked for a more consistent run. However, Ponting is in no mood to play up his dilemma for the viewing public. He has dismissed all notions that there was a direct tussle between his two allrounders saying only the conditions would decide how he employed the squad at his disposal.
Watson may still get his turn against South Africa but that is if the Australia coach, Tim Nielsen, can see the captain’s logic in going for four pacers when the coach himself is of the opinion that a spinner would lend a more balanced attack with variety. Ponting’s reluctance to rely on spin in India was apparent. Whether the fact of playing at home will further bolster that thought process remains to be seen.

Attitude towards Spin Must Change to Be Number One

Watson Moans Lack of Consistent Run

http://www.crickblog.com/entry/andrew-symonds-the-man-trouble-comes-looking-for/

Ponting: I am not talking to Border and Ian Chappell