Melbourne, Nov.18 : A cocktail party on Monday helped heal Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds strained friendship with teammate and vice-captain Michael Clarke.

A leadership group featuring Clarke sensationally sent Symonds home from a one-day series against Bangladesh in Darwin in September after he skipped a team meeting to go fishing. Symonds later admitted that he had gone on a drinking binge after last year's hostile series against India and was prone to aggravated behavior.

The allrounder said earlier this week that his once great friendship with Clarke was "not what it was" after hitting rock bottom at the Top End.

But Clarke today said their relationship was as healthy as ever after bonding with Symonds at a promotional party at Brisbane on Monday night.

"We had a cocktail party last night which was great. We spent a bit of time together having a chat and at training today we did again," Clarke said, referring to Monday night's All-Star Party at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art.

"It's probably been exactly how it was before he left which has been great for both of us. It is good to have him back," Clarke said.

Clarke said there no awkward moments when they were reunited in the Australian camp in the lead-up to the first Test against New Zealand at Brisbane starting on Thursday.

ANI