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 on Friday. 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.

Sutherland said from Melbourne: "He will come home this (Thursday) evening. The decision has been made due to Andrew, over the last 24-48 hours, breaking a number of team rules.

"In isolation the breaches that I am talking about are not serious, but in the scheme of things, in the scheme of history, they are enough for it to be the final straw.

"I am disappointed in Andrew and also disappointed for Andrew."

Sutherland added: "It's alcohol related and other issues related to team rules. It's about Cricket Australia taking responsibility for its employees.

"We understand Andrew has had his share of issues and it's a constant balancing act, but today it has tipped too far.