Rediff

Sydney, Sep 5: Andrew Symonds has not forgiven Cricket Australia (CA) for downgrading racism charges against Harbhajan Singh and his sagging commitment dates back to the infamous 'Monkey-gate' scandal, according to reports.

Symonds, whose commitment is being questioned after he preferred a fishing trip to a compulsory team meeting, and Harbhajan figured prominently in the Sydney row where the Australian all-rounder accused the equally volatile Indian off-spinner of racially abusing him.

Eventually, the Australians were convinced by the CA to downgrade the charge, allowing Harbhajan to escape a ban and Symonds just could not digest that, reports The Age.

"To this day Symonds has not forgiven Cricket Australia for what transpired in an Adelaide federal courtroom eight months ago," the report said.

"Harbhajan's reprieve infuriated Symonds, who felt abandoned by administrators he believed were more interested in kow-towing to India than protecting their own," it added.

According to the report, Symonds subsequently refused all CA efforts to resolve the issue and his discontent started affecting his commitment to the side.

CA chief executive James Sutherland hinted time was running out for Symonds to make the India tour even though he promised all help from the board.

"The critical thing is that he has time to sort through his priorities but also to seek whatever help he needs to assess his priorities and bounce back. To that end he has our absolute support," he said.

Though he is not new to disciplinary breaches, the daily said Symonds -- "emotional, stubborn and a notorious bearer of grudges" -- was not his competitive self since that Sydney row.