Aug. 2: Andrew Symonds’ all-round abilities are legendary and the burly Aussie has proved it time and again in the first three editions of the Indian Premier League, turning up for the Deccan Chargers and helping them win many matches single-handedly.
In a chat with this newspaper on Monday, Symmo felt that the current Australian side will have its task cut out when it tours India later this year. “It’s going to be difficult for any team to tour India. In the last 10 years, Test series between India and Australia have garnered a lot of audience across the world and the two teams have produced some wonderful cricket,” he said.
Speaking about the current crop of cricketers wearing the Baggy Green, he said, “I think Australian side has had a lot of injury woes of late and that to a great extent has affected their performances on the field. But, knowing the Australian set up, they will be back to their full strength soon.”
The discussion shifted to India’s current showing in Sri Lanka and Symmo felt that India was too good a side to be under-estimated. “Look, at anytime, India can be one of the top teams in the world. They have one of the best batting line-ups that has won them matches across the world. I think it will be unfair to doubt their abilities,” Symmo said.
Asked about his take on Tests and Twenty20s co-existing, Symmo answered in the affirmative. “Test cricket has a traditional audience who will always remain loyal to the game. Tests are the ultimate challenge but Twenty20 cricket has revolutionised the game and taken it to different geographies. To me, I will want to see both the formats co-existing,” Symmo said.
On his take on the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) which was slammed by Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara recently, Symmo felt the system was good. “It’s a great thing for the cricketers. Umpires can make mistakes and if they can be rectified before it changes the course of the game, then go for it. However, I feel it does take some precious time away from the match when the review system is in progress,” he said.