Symonds says sorry

Fallen Australian cricket star Andrew Symonds has declared his intentions of eventually making a comeback to the international arena.

Symonds was controversially sent home from Darwin ahead of the recently completed three-match one-day series against Bangladesh for choosing to go fishing instead of attending a compulsory team meeting.

However, despite his desire to continue playing cricket coming under serious question ever since that episode, Symonds went a long way to dispelling any uncertainty over his future on Tuesday.

"Since being stood down from the Australian cricket team, (there have been) a number of hand brakes I've realised that have been preventing me being the best player, team-mate and person I can be," Symonds explained.

"Since that's happened, I'm going through the process of trying to improve and become a better not only cricketer but a better person."

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking up playing cricket again for my club, state and country, hopefully."

Cricket Australia has welcomed Symonds' decision to begin his quest to reclaim a place in the national side.

"Everyone is delighted," CA spokesman Peter Young said.

"From a point of view of symbolism it sends a very clear message that he wants to come back and he is committed to doing those things he needs to do to come back."

"We've all been keen to see him back and it'll be great to see him back in harness."

Young said Symonds was a crowd favourite who everyone loved watching.

"He's a match-winner," he said.

"He's a sensational batsman who can tear opposition apart."

"He's probably the only fielder in the world that intimidates batsmen."

"It's great news today and let's hope that goes the way we are all hoping it will."

Symonds, who has not been included in the Australian squad that is scheduled to tour India early next month, expressed his regret over the recent events which had led him to be on the outer of the national team.

"I'd like to apologise to those people who I've let down, family members, friends, mates, sponsors and fans," a remorseful Symonds said.

"I apologise for some of the things I've done over the last little bit and hopefully after this next little bit, I come out of it a better person and won't make these mistakes in the future."

Australia's highly anticipated tour of India kicks off on October 2 when the visitors tackle an as-yet unnamed opponent in a four-day tour match.

The first Test begins on Ocotber 9 at Bangalore.