Waugh backs Symonds return

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh expects troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds to play in the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane next week.

Symonds, who has managed a meagre 80 runs in six trips to the crease for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield competition since his return from the infamous 'gone-fishing' saga, was named in a 13-man Test squad yesterday.

And while he agrees Symonds' efforts with the willow for the Bulls have been less than impressive, Waugh called for the burly Queenslander's immediate return to the Test arena.

"I think they need his spirit back in the side and the way he carries himself and his enthusiasm," Waugh said.

"Whether he's form-wise ready to get back into it, I guess the jury's still out on that because he hasn't done well for Queensland yet.

"There's got to be still some question marks there, it's not easy at international level just to turn the tap on and say 'ok I'm going to get back into my best form now'.

Steve Waugh (left) expects Andrew Symonds to play in Australia's first Test with New Zealand

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"So I think it might take him a little bit of time to get back into it so we don't want to expect miracles straight away if he plays in Brisbane. I think it'll take him a couple of Test matches to get back into it."

Symonds' return from the wilderness, after he missed a team meeting ahead of the one-day series against Bangladesh in August, creates a serious headache for selectors following fellow all-rounder Shane Watson's solid performances in India.

But Waugh says he would be “comfortable” with the inclusion of both men in the final XI.

"I don't think they've brought Andrew Symonds back in the 13 to be 12th man or 13th - he'll play I'm pretty sure," he said.

"And I think Shane Watson deserves his place in the team so I'm glad I'm not a selector.

"Maybe one of the quicks might make way and Shane Watson can be the third quick."

Meanwhile, Waugh conceded the current Test team is in the middle of a “tough phase” but called for patience as Ricky Ponting's new-look side adjusts to the demands of international cricket.

"It's a little bit tougher for the younger players coming into the environment where the Australian cricket team's been so dominant and all of a sudden they feel a bit vulnerable, a bit fragile (having just) lost a series," he added.

"We've just got to give these guys a bit of time. Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath weren't stars overnight, it takes a bit of time to get used to this top level."