Embattled all-rounder Andrew Symonds made a comeback to the Australian team for Friday's Emirates All Star Twenty20 match in Brisbane.
Cricket Australia's Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said in a statement that Symonds, dumped from the side after the 'gone-fishing' episode, has successfully completed the prescribed "welfare process" and his return was a result of much hard work on his behalf.
"I have been in regular contact with Andrew over the last month or so. He has made significant progress during his enforced lay off and we are happy that he is now available to be selected for Australia again," Sutherland said.
"I know Andrew has had a very strong desire to fight his way back into the Australian team and I am confident that desire will be reflected in his actions over the coming months," he added.
National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said he was only too happy to see Symonds back.
"Cricket Australia advised the NSP late last week that Andrew Symonds had completed the welfare process he has been undertaking over recent times and it was with great pleasure that we were able to select him for this game," he said.
Symonds will be part of a Michael Clarke-led side which will take on an Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) All Star team which would have Adam Gilchrist as their skipper.
"The NSP, after consultation with our medical and coaching staff, has decided that after a tough tour of India a number of players will have their workloads monitored and managed. Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark will not take part in this match as part of their preparation to be available for selection for the first 3 mobile Test match in Brisbane," Hilditch said.
Squads:
Australia: Michael Clarke (c), Michael Hussey (vc), Brett Geeves, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, David Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson and Cameron White.
ACA All Star team: Adam Gilchrist (c), Dan Cullen, Michael Dighton, Brendan Drew, Ryan Harris, Brad Hodge, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Dan Marsh, Steve Magoffin, Ashley Noffke and Rob Quiney.
