Symonds told to be carefree

Andrew Symonds hopes to win his 11th Test cap in the third Test in Perth © Getty Images

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Andrew Symonds will try to adopt a “free-spirit” attitude if he makes his Ashes debut at the WACA in an attempt to finally establish a Test career he believed was already behind him.

The powerful all-rounder, 31, appears to have all the attributes to become a key part of Australia’s Test line-up but has so far struggled to make the grade at that level.

However, handed another opportunity following the shock retirement of Damien Martyn, the Queenslander is determined to grasp the opportunity to become the player Australia have been looking for to try to balance their side.

“The hype and build-up to Test cricket is much more intense and that’s probably where I went wrong in the past,” said Symonds, who played the last of his 10 Tests last year and was dropped after averaging just 19.

“I’ve been sucked into that vacuum. This time I’ve just got to go and enjoy myself at training and not be too intense and prepare my way.

Damien Martyn shocked the cricket world when he retired last week © Getty Images

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“The coach came to me and said he wanted me to play freely and have a free-spirit attitude towards this.

“He doesn’t want me to worry about the results because they will look after themselves if I go out there and enjoy myself.”

Symonds has long been a key member of Australia’s one-day line-up and has played 153 matches in that format, but despite an Andrew Flintoff-like ability for big-hitting as well as being capable of bowling seam or off-spin, he has never really established himself in the Test side.

Australia would have liked Shane Watson in his position from the start of the series, but a niggling hamstring injury has kept him out of the first three Tests and he is now setting his sights on a return at Melbourne on Boxing Day.

Before then, Birmingham-born Symonds has an opportunity to cement his place in Australia’s line-up with an all-round display against the country of his birth at the WACA later this week.

Coach John Buchanan has told Andrew Symonds to bat freely

“I’m determined to be a little more carefree,” said Symonds, who rejected an opportunity to play for England A over 10 years ago to ensure he qualified for Australia.

“Last year I probably tried a little too hard at times and I could end up clamming up for the wrong reasons so I’ll have to be careful how I approach it.

“You’re so keen to do well it’s sometimes very hard to just go out there and play. You’re not playing backyard cricket, you’re playing for Australia so it’s not that simple.”

Symonds is also aware that he could be part of the Australian team that regains the Ashes should they continue to prosper in the third Test of the series this week.

Just to prevent any complacency, coach John Buchanan has addressed the squad during Monday’s training session at the WACA to ensure they do not allow England back into the series.

Shane Watson has an injured hamstring © Getty Images

“The feeling in the dressing room is very positive and there’s no extra pressure on us,” he said.

“I’d much rather be in our room than theirs because coming from behind is a lot more difficult. There isn’t the intensity knowing you have to win.

“You can’t help think about it, can you? We spoke about it and the coach addressed us about that very thing.

“Yes, it’s a big part of all our lives but if you look at it like that, it can become a distraction. We’ve got to keep our minds on the job.

“It’s okay to think about it, but we’ve still got to make sure our minds are on the job and what each one of us has to do.”

Symonds is yet to be confirmed as Martyn’s replacement, but is likely to be selected ahead of newcomer Adam Voges because he is able to reduce the bowling workload on Australia’s four-man attack.