Troubled Symonds to be sent back to rehab: reports

Embattled Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds will be sent to rehab for a second time in five months and not be considered for the Test tour to South Africa after his radio diatribe against Brendon McCullum.

Symonds' drinking woes and penchant for getting himself in trouble has CA power-brokers at breaking point, but they also have serious concerns about his state of mind, the 'Herald sun' reported.

During a rambling and alcohol-fuelled radio outburst on Friday, Symonds called New Zealand batsman McCullum a "lump of s''t" after New South Wales signed him for the final of the domestic Twenty20 competition.

Symonds has tendered a public apology to McCullum insisting that the comments were made in jest but the newspaper said pressure has been mounting on Cricket Australia to tear up the all-rounder's contract.

"Influential CA figures are likely to order a review of the confidential psychological programme Symonds underwent after last year's 'gone fishing' affair in Darwin," the report said.

"The programme, which treated Symonds for a stress-related illness as well as drinking and anger-management issues, is set to be bulked up and more heavily scrutinised.

"With an increased focus on Symonds' rehab, he is unlikely to be considered for Australia's squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa to be named next week," it added.