"Ruling Andrew Symonds out of the South Africa tour is the best thing that could happen," Warne said.

"It may save his career. First, the time off gives him a chance to find form in the domestic competition. Second, he gets time to fix his off-field problems and continue rehab.

"Ultimately, I would bring him back in the one-day team (but the Test side is another story)," said the spin legend.

Sympathetic to Symonds' problems, Warne felt trying too many things at the same time was giving him trouble.

"I am a big fan of Roy. He has been honest with himself and is dealing with his issues. The problem is he's in rehab and trying to get back into the international side at the same time. By not being picked for the South Africa trip, Roy has his best chance to fight his way back into the Test side," Warne wrote in his column in 'The Daily Telegraph'.

Warne said to err was human but Symonds should not take things for granted.

"We all make a few wrong choices in life; that's part of journey that's how we learn. The key to everything is attitude -- don't take things for granted and expect to be selected. It's about warranting selection and having pride in your performance and team's success," said Warne.

"In cricket, like most sports, if you perform you play," Warne said.

Warne said he wanted Symonds in Australia's Ashes squad.

"Let's hope Roy is seen in England on the Ashes tour because Australia are better with him. Slam your fist down, Roy, and say, "Enough of this rubbish", make runs and that will demand selection," Warne wrote.

The spin great, meanwhile, threw his weight behind Phillip Hughes as Matthew Hayden's replacement, "because he is young, in-form and has batted with Simon Katich before." Warne said lack of aggression and inexperience may have cost Australia the Test series against South Africa.

"We have to accept a few losses, acknowledge we are in a transition period and be a bit patient. Australia played well and were in a position to win all three Tests against South Africa. So long as captain Ricky Ponting keeps putting the team in positions to win a Test, the players will learn how.

"But Ricky must be prepared to lose so that the players can gain the knowledge of what it takes to win."