Symonds sent home by Australia over drinking

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds is to be sent home from the World Twenty20 tournament in England for disciplinary reasons.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland confirmed Symonds would play no part in the tournament, which begins tomorrow.

Australia play their first match on Saturday, when they take on West Indies.

The axing of Symonds follows a breach of team rules involving alcohol.

Captain Ricky Ponting was due to speak about the matter at The Oval.

Following the World Twenty20, Australia will remain in England to contest the Ashes. Symonds had not been due to be involved beyond the end of the World Twenty20.

SYMONDS' MISDEMEANOURS

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds was today sent home from the World Twenty20 for disciplinary reasons.

Here, we take a look back at the long line of controversial incidents which have blighted the career of one of the world's most gifted cricketers.

DRUNK

Banned for two matches after turning up drunk to a one-day match against Bangladesh in Cardiff in June 2005 during the run-up to the Ashes series. Australia lost the match and went on to lose the Ashes.

RACE ROW

Became embroiled in a race row after he was subjected to alleged 'monkey' taunts from India's Harbhajan Singh in a Test at the SCG in January 2008. Harbhajan was initially handed a three-game ban, but escaped suspension on appeal.

STREAKER FLATTENED

Shoulder-charged a male streaker who had run onto the pitch during a one-day international against India in March 2008, but did not face assault charges.

GONE FISHING

In August 2008 he went fishing in Darwin instead of attending a team meeting and was sent home before the one-day series with Bangladesh. Stand-in captain Michael Clarke questioned Symonds' commitment.

McCULLUM INSULTED

Called New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum a "lump of s***" during a interview on a radio show with Australian comedy duo Roy and HG in January 2009. Symonds was reportedly drunk at the time. Symonds publicly apologised and was fined by Cricket Australia.