Nz-Aus 1st Test begins today

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Andrew Symonds' Test exile is officially over after Ricky Ponting confirmed the allrounder would play in Thursday's first Test against New Zealand. Symonds was suspended following his fishing trip in Darwin before the one-day series against Bangladesh in August, but he has convinced himself, Cricket Australia and his team-mates that he is ready to resume the No. 6 spot. Australia's only remaining choice is whether to pick another allrounder in Shane Watson or the offspinner Jason Krejza on a pitch that will seam in the damp and humid conditions.