Ponting rules out Symonds return

Mumbai: Australia captain Ricky Ponting has ruled out calling upon the services of all-rounder Andrew Symonds at any stage during the Test series against India.

However, Ponting exuded confidence that Symonds has plenty to offer at the highest level.

Australian all rounder Andrew Symonds, who was dropped from the India tour due to his 'go-fishing' fiasco, has made a low-profile return by appearing for his club side Gold Coast Dolphins in Brisbane.

Ponting, an ardent supporter of Symonds throughout his career, said: 'I thought there were some positive signs for Andrew last week actually that he faced the press and said what he said and probably admitted to a few of his shortcomings.'

'But that's great, that says he's on the right track and for me as a captain and all the other players we're obviously delighted with that.'

'And we hope that that keeps going in a positive direction and that we can have him back in the Australian team sooner rather than later.'

Pressed on the likely timing of Symonds’ return, Ponting replied: 'How quickly it happens is up to him, there's some things that by listening to him the other day he knows he now has to do and it's a matter of him going out and getting those things done.'

'I wouldn't have thought that'd be too soon.'

'It's going to take time for him to address some of his issues and he'd probably be the first to admit that now.'

Ponting conceded Symonds' absence - particularly his prowess against spin bowling - would be missed in India, but backed his remaining players to get the job done.