Symonds returns to Qld cricket team

Jim Morton | 13th November 2009

Andrew Symonds

AAP

SEMI-retired swashbuckler Andrew Symonds has answered an SOS from an injury-hit Queensland to line up for the Bulls in Alice Springs on Saturday.

Symonds, who ended his international career when he was sent home from England in June, will make a surprise return to domestic cricket against South Australia in a one-day clash.

The former Test allrounder had his Cricket Australia contract torn up after breaking team rules during the Twenty20 World Cup.

Symonds, who continues to play for the Deccan Chargers in the IPL, announced before the Australian season he would only play for Queensland in the Twenty20 Big Bash tournament and in the advent of injuries.

Such a situation has struck after back-to-back Sheffield Shield matches against Tasmania and the Redbacks took their toll.

The 34-year-old has replaced paceman Chris Swan (groin) in the Bulls squad and will travel from Adelaide to the Northern Territory with the team on Friday.

The Bulls are also missing Australian allrounder James Hopes (hamstring) and senior quick Ryan Harris (foot).

A Queensland Cricket spokesman would not confirm Symonds' return on Thursday night but it's known he's with the team.

"There's every chance he could (play) but we can't confirm that at this point in time," he said.

"There's no official team announced as yet but he's there with the 12."

The Bulls have also been hit by a knee injury to Glen Batticciotto who has been forced to undergo arthroscopic surgery.