The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : ‘I have become more responsible now’

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‘I have become more responsible now’

V.V. Subrahmanyam

— PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

Andrew Symonds.

HYDERABAD: At 32, Andrew Symonds, the powerhouse of the Australian one-day batting line-up, continues to amaze fans and critics alike.

Now in India to play a lead role for the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League, Symonds displays a rare sense of humour without actually sporting a smile.

“I have just started learning how to bat … (pauses for a moment before continuing) effectively,” was his reply about his consistency. “Definitely, I am enjoying the game much more now because of the success,” he said.

“I have become more responsible now. May be, that is the reason why I am more successful.

“What is obvious is success makes you enjoy the game more,” he said.

How frustrating was it for him to wait for six long years from 1998 after his one-day debut to play his first Test in 2004?

“I never gave up. I just preferred to go back to first-class cricket, knowing fully well that only runs and wickets matter and nothing else. And, I am happy with the way things have turned out of late” the Australian star said.

Fitness is the key

On fitness, he says: “fitness is the key to success in contemporary cricket. We have honed this aspect over the years. This only helps your cause to be better cricketers.”

The highest-paid foreign cricketer in the IPL wants to put behind him all that happened in the recent past and look forward.

“For me the present is more relevant than the past. If you get bogged down by what happened in the past, it will be difficult to focus on the future and realise your goals,” he said.

Spectacular

“In terms of excitement and entertainment, the IPL should be spectacular. There are bound to be new friendships and renewal in some cases. I am eagerly looking forward to these high-intensity matches,” says Symonds.

“It should be a great experience to play at the Eden Gardens. It has a rich history. Hope to look for a good start to the event,” said Symonds ahead of the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

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