Symonds says sorry

Andrew Symonds has been fined and suspended © Getty Images

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has apologised after being handed a two-match suspension and fined for being out “later than was appropriate” ahead of Saturday’s NatWest Series clash with Bangladesh at Sophia Gardens.

The 30-year-old was initially included in the side but then axed 10 minutes before skipper Ricky Ponting was due to toss up after his behaviour came to light.

Australia team manager Steve Bernard, head coach John Buchanan and Ponting conducted an investigation into events evening after their side had suffered a shock five-wicket defeat at the hands of cricket’s minnows.

And it was decided to ban Symonds for two games, including the match with Bangladesh and Sunday’s meeting with England at Bristol. In addition, Birmingham-born Symonds was fined two match fees - around £3,000.

Symonds speaks to Ricky Ponting before the match at Bristol © Getty Images

Symonds, who had apologised to his team-mates, said: “I know no-one has to accept this but I apologise to everyone for what I have done.

“I know it was the wrong thing and I am very embarrassed.”

An Australian spokeswoman said: “Cricket Australia today advised that, as a result of the inquiry into a breach of expected team behaviour by Andrew Symonds, he will not be considered for selection for two matches.

“This will result in his non-selection for the first two of Australia’s games in the NatWest Series which includes yesterday’s match against Bangladesh and today’s match against England in Bristol.

“In addition Symonds will incur a fine of two match payments.

“The investigation concluded that Symonds had been out later than was appropriate for a player preparing to play in an international cricket match on the evening before the team’s game against Bangladesh in Cardiff.

“Subsequently he was withdrawn from the selected team and replaced by 12th man Simon Katich.”

Ponting said: “As a team under the players’ Spirit of Cricket pledge, we pride ourselves on playing cricket hard but fair - but also on being good role models.

“We take this sort of thing very seriously and I’m very disappointed with what has happened, as is Andrew.

“Andrew is aware he has let the team down as well as cricket fans but most of all he has let himself down.

“We are professional cricketers and rightly so the public expect us to behave that way.

“It is an unwanted distraction at this stage of the tour but hopefully we can now put it behind us and concentrate on playing some good cricket.”