Symonds reprieved by Test call

Andrew Symonds' last Test match was against West Indies at Bridgetown in June

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All-rounder Andrew Symonds has been recalled to the Australia squad for next week's first Test against New Zealand at the Gabba.

The 33-year-old was dropped from the national team when he missed a team meeting leading up to the first match of the three-game one-day international series against Bangladesh in August, but has been named in the 13-man squad at the expense of Cameron White.

Batsman Shaun Marsh also missed out but fast bowler Peter Siddle has retained his place.

Michael Clarke is a doubt for the match in Brisbane as he continues to battle the virus that troubled him during the final Test against India in Nagpur last week.

Symonds has since been required by Cricket Australia to complete counselling following his latest indiscretion, and chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said he earned the recall due to his recent international exploits.

"The national selection panel has been advised by Cricket Australia that Andrew Symonds has successfully completed the prescribed plan to enable us consider him for selection for the Australian cricket team," Hilditch said.

"Over the previous 12 months, Andrew has cemented his place in the Test team with outstanding performances at home and in the West Indies, and he now deserves to come back into the Australian squad."

While Symonds is back in the squad of 13 to face the Black Caps, selectors will wait until Tuesday before reducing it to 12, with the player not required for the first Test to be released back to his state team.

Off-spinner Jason Krejza, who claimed man-of-the-match honours thanks to 12 wickets in an unforgettable debut in Nagpur, was the only frontline slow bowler named in the squad.

"Obviously it will be disappointing for Cameron White to miss selection after playing four Tests in India,” Hilditch added.

“With our return to Australia, however, only one specialist spinner has been named in the squad.

"Jason Krejza richly deserves to retain his place in the side after such an outstanding debut in Nagpur. It will now be a significant challenge for him to adapt back to Australian conditions and continue his development.”

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson.