Andrew Symonds' doddering Test career received a fillip during last year's Boxing Day Ashes Test. His place under severe scrutiny, the big Queenslander made a screaming 156 in the fourth Test against England, and has not looked back since, carving a permanent slot for himself in the Australian Test line-up too.
No wonder, then, that the 32-year-old raves about the Boxing Day Test. "For me, personally, this is the most exciting and special Test match an Aussie cricketer could play in," Symonds told newsmen on Saturday. "Hopefully, I don't fall over between now and then and hurt myself! I am really looking forward to it, it is a pretty special Test match.
Better grip
"I probably am a bit easier to live with now! Leading up to the Brisbane Test (last month against Sri Lanka), I was a bit on edge at the start of the summer. I was definitely on edge before this Test match last year purely through nerves and not being sure whether I could hold my spot or not. I am probably still in that boat a bit, but I have got a better grip of the whole circumstances. I will be definitely more relaxed leading into this Test," he added.
Symonds faced the full fury of India's blatant and vocal aggression during the one-day series in India. Do such confrontations fire him up? "Sometimes, when it actually happens, it can get you to dig in a bit more, grit your teeth," he replied. "It's not something at the front of my mind. I suppose once you cross with it, you just sort of react -- whether you go harder back or whether you use it to up your own personal performances is up to the individual."
Australia's preparation for this series hasn't been ideal, their last four fixtures being a T20 international and three 50-over games. "It's probably easier to go from Test cricket to one-day cricket," Symonds conceded.
"The other way is not a big change, but it's always something you have got to be conscious of. When you first get to practice for Test cricket, you got to get straight into it. You can't just leave it for another day. First session back tomorrow, we are going to be practising for Test cricket, and be aware of it. Everyone in the group knows how to prepare for Test cricket. Sometimes it is a blessing in disguise when you do have a break. When you haven't played for a while, you are extra keen to get out there and perform."
Symonds said it was important for the Aussies to stay relaxed. "Tradition is supposed to be a lot more serious," he laughed, shrugging off being 'miked up' for the T20 international against New Zealand. "But there are certain times in the game when you tend to tighten up. The key is to stay relaxed because when we are relaxed and having fun, that is when we perform at our best."
Asked if he would miss his skirmishes with Sreesanth, Symonds shot back, "I think you blokes will miss him playing against me. I play against whoever comes. You guys made it out to be some sort of a gladiatorial face-off. It was not. It was just that he chose a very aggressive and vocal line over there. He is not out here, so you won't get to see him."