Symonds ruled out of SA tour

The Cricket Australia board met on Tuesday and decided that Symonds would not be available for selection until he satisfied formal rehabilitation criteria.

CA has decided the all-rounder is not yet of the right state of mind to represent Australia and CEO James Sutherland said: "Our assessment is that he is making good progress but that his commitment needs testing against new, tougher criteria we will finalise after consultation with his counsellors, the ACA and Queensland Cricket."

He added: "We have a responsibility to Andrew and his welfare but we also have a responsibility to Australian cricket to ensure his commitment is as it needs to be before he can be considered for national selection."

Sutherland revealed CA had received feedback from the state, national players and Australian team management that Symonds was making good progress with the rehabilitation program he is undertaking.

Symonds was informed of the decision on Tuesday, one which Sutherland described as 'tough but appropriate' and in Symonds' best interests.

But the door, it appears, remains open for the all-rounder's potential involvement in tours beyond South Africa.

"It's a tough stance but it's an appropriate stance in the circumstances," said Sutherland.

"It can be looked at as a sanction but I would prefer to look at this as a decision in the best interests of Andrew Symonds as well.

"This period back in Australia will provide him with an opportunity to have some more intense counselling and to work through some of his issues."