Moody wants Symonds recall

Andrew Symonds was left out by Australia after missing a team meeting

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Tom Moody believes the absence of Andrew Symonds is hurting Australia as they struggle to make an impression in India.

The Warriors and former Sri Lanka and Worcestershire coach said he is not surprised that Symonds has been left out of the side for apparently missing a team meeting in Darwin during the recent series against Bangladesh.

But Moody feels the national selectors should have recalled Symonds after the tourists were thrashed by India during the second Test, saying the all-rounder retained that ability to turn a game, despite a recent run of poor form with the bat.

"There's obviously underlying reasons why Andrew Symonds is still here in Australia," Moody said.

"But I think if you put aside all the issues that may be underlying and pick your best Australian team to play in the third Test match in Delhi, Symonds would probably be one of the first guys you would pencil in.

"My point of view really is basically, that he's a key component to the Australian team, particularly in the subcontinent.

"He's one player that can take away the game from the opposition with the bat and his off-spin has proven to be invaluable given the lack of experience we have in that department.

"Andrew hasn't yet set the world alight in domestic cricket but we all know what he's capable of doing and he's done it at all levels."

Moody also felt Symonds had been kept out of the national side long enough if it was just the missed meeting he was being punished for.

"Without knowing the actual details of what the discipline is, the only thing we know as the public is that Andrew Symonds went fishing and missed a meeting," Moody said.

"So if that's the case, he's serving a pretty long penalty."

"But if there's more there, obviously there must be more there, that's why he's playing for Queensland and not Australia."