Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke has distanced himself from suggestions that his friendship with Andrew Symonds remains fractured after the star all-rounder was sent home during the Top End one-day international series in Darwin earlier this year.
There has been much media speculation of a rift developing between Clarke and Symonds, but Clarke intimated on Tuesday that their relationship was as good as ever after being reunited in the Australian camp ahead of the opening Test against New Zealand at the Gabba.
"It's probably been exactly how it was before he left which has been great for both of us, it's always good to see 'Symmo' back around," Clarke said.
"It is really good having him back, and I think our relationship, as you guys would have seen today, we're going well."
Monday night's red carpet All Star party at Brisbane's Galley of Modern Art proved to be the perfect backdrop for the pair to become reacquainted.
"We had a bit of a cocktail party last night which was great, we spent a bit of time together having a bit of a chat."
Clarke was a part of the leadership group that made the judgment call to punish Symonds by sending him home during Bangladesh's tour of Australia.
Ricky Ponting's deputy may have been disappointed in his good friend then, but was full of respect while speaking about the steps Symonds has taken in his come back to cricket.
"It certainly wasn't a personal decision, it didn't affect my feelings about 'Symmo' as a mate, it was just what we thought was in the best interest of the team and for Andrew."
"One thing that 'Symmo' (has) done is that he's looked himself in the mirror and worked out for himself what he needed to do to get back in this team."
"Whatever issues Andrew's had, he's spent time trying to get help or trying to fix those issues, and it seems like he's in a great place at the moment."
"He's very happy to be back in the side and I can guarantee you the rest of the players are happy to have him back."
Clarke stopped short of suggesting Symonds would automatically claim a spot in the Australian XI upon his return, but did say the all-rounder's inclusion in the squad was a boost to the national side.
"Andrew's a fantastic player, he's been successful in all three forms of the game, so anytime that he was fit and ready to come back into the team, I think we're certainly going to have him."