Prasad: Symonds absence no bonus

India bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad has played down Andrew Symonds' exclusion from the Australia squad for the upcoming four-Test series.

The hard-hitting all-rounder was left out of the one-day side for the three-match series with Bangladesh in Darwin earlier this month after he missed a team meeting and went fishing instead.

And Australia selectors today confirmed the 33-year-old would not be in the squad for the tour of India, which begins with the Bangalore Test on October 9, as he is currently undergoing a rehabilitation process.

Venkatesh Prasad knows India will have to play well to beat touring Australia next month

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Yet Prasad insists Australia will still pose a big threat without Symonds.

"This is not about individuals," Prasad said. "We are playing a team and it’s a top team.

"If we have to beat this team we have to play tough cricket.

"We have to be tough physically and mentally and every session will be a battle."

Former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad, though, believes Australia will find it hard to win without Symonds.

"Symonds is a key player for Australia and a fine player of spin," Gaekwad said.

"The selectors have probably taught him a lesson that discipline comes first before the game and that it’s an important thing.

"That's the message they send across to every international cricketer, not just the Australian players.

"It is be a big blow, however, for the Australia side. It will make a big difference to the team. I would surely say it’s advantage India."