Troubled Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds apologised for the 'gone-fishing' episode on Tuesday and promised to return to the side a better person. "I apologise for some of the things I've done over the last little bit. Hopefully I'll come out of it a better person and not make those mistakes in the future," Symonds said in his first interaction with the media since his sacking from the side for lacking commitment. Symonds preferred a fishing trip to a compulsory team meeting, inviting the wrath of the leadership group comprising stand-in skipper Michael Clarke, coach Tim Nielson and manager Steve Bernard. The 33-year-old was subsequently sent home from Symonds, who was also omitted from the squad for the upcoming Test series against "I think I probably do need to put a little bit of thought into some of the things I am doing," Symonds said. "I'm in a position of responsibility and I can't live so irresponsibly and I've realised that. It's probably taken longer than it should have," he added. Symonds asserted he would bounce back from the latest setback by focussing on his cricket even as he learns to deal with life as a public figure. "You go from being something and you get something cast over you which you have no control of. Being recognised and that sort of thing is something that sometimes I deal with well and other times I don't deal with as well," he said. "I like my time by myself and I like my privacy, but I do love the challenge of cricket. I'm going through the process of trying to improve and become not only a better cricketer but a better person," he added. Symonds' apology comes after he was lambasted by former greats like Steve Waugh and Shane Warne for his attitude. The big-hitting all-rounder's commitment to the team was also questioned with his one-time close pal Clarke being among his most vocal critics during the entire episode. Cricket |
