"That wasn't a decision, it was just a mistake. It wasn't like I went out and got drunk and had a fight. I just made a mistake. I was in bed early, got up early to go fishing and just misread my team sheet," he said.

"I was obviously frustrated and annoyed with the decision, but I now can look back on it and understand that a decision had to be made. At the end of the day, I did make a mistake - even if it was an accident," he added.

Symonds has been regularly meeting sports psychologist Jauncey and is also in touch with Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland during his rehabilitation.

Sutherland said he is satisfied with the way Symonds has progressed.

"Andrew understands where he is up to in this exercise and we agree that he has made significant progress during his enforced lay-off," Sutherland said.

"Like his many fans around Australia, we're very much looking forward to having Andrew back. When he is up and firing, he is one of the very best players in the world.

"I hope that it is not too long before he is again available for Australian selection," he added.