Story "Just the pen, the zinc and me bat" - Andrew Symonds' Tour Diary:"2 Minutes with Roy"

[Hooper]

"Just the pen, the zinc and me bat"
The story of Roy

"Hey there, my names Andrew Symonds. Me mates know me as Roy (don't ask how I got that name, even I don't exactly know), Iam an Australian Cricketer that has been lucky enough to have the chance at both ODI and Test Cricket. Iam going to be writing updates from day to day on what happens around the Australian camp and how we go as a team during this summer. I'll be sure to give you guys some good inside info on what happens as we go around Australia while playing the Sri Lankans, India and the Kiwis."

"A lot of the fans out there know me for my typical Aussie ways. Iam a keen fisherman, and Iam sure that Haydos and I are going to get a chance to hit the water sometime in between matches. What Punter doesn't know can't hurt him aye. This summer I was lucky enough to feature in some new ads for Ford Ranger and KFC. I reckon I did alright for a bloke who hasn't acted since Year 8 Drama class! Plus, I didn't mind seeing I get a new Ford Ranger for when I want to go bush."

Me and Haydos after I had just smashed a six to bring up me first Test ton

"Alright, enough of me - lets talk Cricket aye. Now, last summer I thought me Test career was pretty much done and dusted unless I scored hundred after hundred for the bulls. But then Marto kicked the bucket and my name was in the mix. I knew this was probably going to be the last time the selectors were going to try and push me to be a Test star so I was raring to get into it...then there was that 156 at the 'G. That day, I will never forget. Coming in at 5 for 70 odd and the team in trouble, I knew me time was now. With Haydos out there he was me rock and just told me to just be patient and get through this tough patch and the runs should come soon. Well, about 50 balls later and Iam still in single figures and Iam thinking "Rightio, where am I going to scab some runs?". But then I connected some good cuts and I was away. Getting to them triple figures felt like about 500 kgs of Barramundi had just been lifted off me shoulders as I was now finally able to pass them three figures in a Test. "
"This summer I will be hoping to follow on from my Ashes form and continuing to score runs after being man of the series against the Indians in the ODI series. Cheers for reading me first update, for now, Iam off to get some hunting in before the hectic Cricket season starts. Catchya at the GABBA before the First Test guys."

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[ivanvdm15]

interesting

 

[Highlander999]

Good luck with this Jordan, I know how much you love Symonds. Hopefully you will be able to make this a big sucess

 

[Hooper]

Haha, yeah. Its going to be fun as well writing this one. Can't wait to get started Hopefully he plays well

 

[Pakistani Army]

Very nice and intresting idea Jordan. Good luck mate.

 

[Left_Hander]

Probably one of the first career diaries for an international cricketer. It sounded like it was actually Symonds talking then. Good luck and I will be interested

 

[Gilly Fan]

Sure that isn't really Andrew Symonds there, Jordan? Sounds a lot like him.

Nice work mate.

 

[mattfb]

Lol great story idea Jordan. Awesome first update, great read. You do make it sound a lot like Roy to be honest.

 

[kookaburra69]

Great idea mate.will be following.

 

[Hooper]

Haha, thanks guys. Glad it sounds like Symonds is actually writing it - there aren't many tour diaries around. I thought this might be a good idea.

 

[Hooper]

Warm up for the First Test against Sri Lanka - 14th November

"Well, today our new Coach Tim Nielson got us all together as a team a couple of days before the First Test in Brissy and chatted to us about our goals as a team this summer and what he expects of us. He was just raving on about how we need to gel as a team and how he expects us to dominate the Lankans and then do well against India and capping it off with a win the Commonwealth Bank series. Me, personally, I will be playing a lot of Cricket this summer I reckon. I can't wait to get stuck into Murali after the little tacker got me out and made a meal out of me on my Test debut!

Training today was pretty light, spent a good hour in the nets getting me eye in, ready for some good quick bowling from Malinga. Shame Taito is not in the squad - could of used him as practice for some slingy bowling - bugger. Pup thought he would be a smartass and try and challenge me in a little fielding competition. We set up throwing at stumps, catching and diving circuits and challenged each other. I think he knows I am better - so I showed him not to mess with the old dog. I beat him in the catching and diving, but he does have a beauty of an arm - so he did do well in that. Anyways, I think Iam looking in good touch, Iam raring to get into this First Test, my first in me home state."

Me latching onto a catch in training
"With 4 blokes retiring last summer its going to feel weird not smelling Warnie's ciggys in the dressing room at the back, not hearing Alfies pathetic attempts at jokes, not havin Marto there to talk Cricket and not having Pidge's practical jokes stirring everyone up. But coming into the squad with have Jaquesy who I know quite well from Gray Nicholls promotions, we have Magilla back with a full cask of wine in his kit no doubt and then my fellow Brissy boy, Mitchell Johnson."

My batting is looking good now, can't wait to get stuck into some Test action.

"Well, Iam off for now guys, needa get some rest before the season gets underway. Ill be back after the First Test to tell you guys how we went. Adios."

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[etho11]

This is awesome mate. Keep it up. Roy is a bloody legend.

 

[surendar]

This is an interesting idea to start the career story as Symonds because, in general, people involve themselves as career players.

Good luck to this. So far, its going great.

 

[Griffo]

WILL YOU PLEASE TELL THE KIND PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY CAME UP WITH THE IDEA

 

[Hooper]

...Sorry, can't tell