According to Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, “the final straw” came when Symonds, 33, broke team rules related to alcohol and other issues. It is understood he went out early on Wednesday morning to watch the State of Origin rugby league with some team-mates and had a couple of drinks.

While not a serious offence, Symonds’  alcohol consumption contravened his personal guidelines with Cricket Australia that were formed following his counselling sessions in the wake of a string of indiscretions. It is understood the restrictions left Symonds not knowing his place in the team.

“There’s no doubting Andrew’s capabilities as a player, but there are other things happening around him that made the decision we’ve come to a relatively easy one,” said Ponting. “This is not wholly and solely about Andrew Symonds. This is about the  cricket team. We’ve got some young guys who are just finding out what international cricket is all about. This is about the bigger picture and bringing on the next gen. of
Australian players.”