PRESSURE IN MODERN DAYS CRICKET SPOIL CRICKETERS LIFE

Whether or not Andrew Symonds plays for Australia again, the entire episode has raised a disturbing question -- behind the razmattaz and glamour, has cricket lost its soul? Is there no place in the game for those who who don't fit the bill as a "modern day cricketer?"

How would you describe Andrew Symonds? A man of few words who likes the easy life, sample this response when we asked him what he intends to do with the megabucks he was purchased for by the Deccan Chargers.

It is this love for fishing that has put symonds' international career in danger. In the Australian team, that puts a premium on team over self, Symonds is perhaps a misfit.

Australia's captain in waiting Michael Clarke is clear that Symonds has to either fall in line or give up his ambition to play for Australia. Symonds can smell a confrontation when he sees it and his response has been short but telling.

Symonds is just the latest to have been consumed by the treadmill of constant cricket. Once touted as the fastest bowler in the world, Shaun Tait walked away earlier this year, saying he was mentally and physically exhausted. He is making a tentative comeback only now.

Marcus Trescothick, once England's most prolific batsman, reduced to tears on an Ashes tour as the ghosts in his mind took control. He is back, scoring runs at county level but an international comeback, he says is out question.