Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has lauded troubled all rounder Andrew Symonds for owning up his mistakes in public.

Ponting said Symonds' public apology is the first step towards his comeback to the team.

"I actually think there were some really positive signs over the last couple of days with Andrew. He's actually fronted the media and admitted that there's some room for improvement in certain parts of his life," Ponting said.

Symonds, who has been sacked for lack of commitment after missing a team meeting to go fishing, yesterday apologised for his actions and promised to return a reformed man.

Ponting said the admission has made him confident about the big-hitting all-rounder's return.

"He's a terrific player and his Test record and one-day record over the last couple of years for Australia has been outstanding," he told reporters in Canberra.

"Hopefully for him as a person, if he can get those things sorted out, then we'll have him back in the team. I'd love to have him back in the side sooner rather than later," he said.