Symonds a gamble - Waugh

Steve Waugh says Andrew Symonds would be a risky pick to tour South Africa

Steve Waugh has warned Australia will be gambling if they pick Andrew Symonds to face South Africa - but the former captain insists rising star Phillip Hughes must join the tour.

Symonds and Hughes will be two names sure to be discussed at length when the selectors convene this week to pick the squad for the three-Test trip.

Waugh believes the controversial and out-of-form Symonds needs to sort out his off-field issues to warrant being included.

The Queenslander is under pressure from Victorian Andrew McDonald for the all-rounder's position.

"He's certainly not at his best right now - but he's one of those guys that can come out and win you a match tomorrow," Waugh said of Symonds.

"But he's got to be clear in his head and concise in his thinking - and right now he doesn't seem to be playing his best cricket. If he was selected for South Africa I think that would be a gamble.

"Whether it's a gamble worth the selectors taking, that's up to them to decide."

Waugh has no such doubts about 20-year-old Hughes.

In competition with Chris Rogers and Phil Jaques to fill the opener's berth vacated by the retired Matthew Hayden, Hughes strengthened his case with scores of 151 and 82 not out against Tasmania in the latest round of the Sheffield Shield.

"That shows to me he's got fantastic temperament and can handle pressure - and that, at the top level, is the main ingredient," said Waugh, who is not worried by Hughes' lack of first-class experience.

"Because everyone has got skill, it's how they handle the pressure. I think he's got the goods. If the selectors pick Phillip Hughes they wouldn't be doing anything wrong. I'd pick him."