No difference of thoughts within team, claims Bracken

Sydney, Sep 6 (UNI) Fast bowler Nathan Bracken believes a strong bond continues to exist between all his team players despite the Andrew Symonds saga which has created friction within the team.

Bracken said despite the hostile nature of Andrew Symonds's departure from the camp in Darwin last week, harmony within the Australian team is not eroding and the left-arm pacer has offered to hear any of the all-rounder's concerns.

''Whatever he is feeling, how he is, if he wants to give me a call I am happy to chat and talk about whatever he is going through,'' Bracken said yesterday.

''I have sent him a text this week and received a reply, as have a lot of other boys.

''I think that is the strength of our team, and what sets Australia apart from the other teams - we stick together no matter what. We can't leave guys as individuals, we do it together.

Last week Symonds was sent home after he missed a compulsory team meeting during the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh and instead went out fishing.

However, Bracken believes that cricket has seen all such things in the past and his team is united enough to handle such situations.

''Things happen that are beyond our control, whether it be an umpire's decision or stuff off the field. The only way we can respond is as a team,'' he added.

Meanwhile, those who regularly deal with Symonds are also split on their opinions about his actions - some empathise with his stand-offish nature, others who have heard a more blunt Symonds believe he is arrogant.

But missing Symonds could cost the Australian team dearly considering the fact that it has an intense challenge ahead including important tours of India, South Africa and England.

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