Andrew Symonds' Australia teammates hope the all-rounder will be back soon as they try to refocus on ICC World Twenty20.

Symonds, 33, is flying back to Australia following an alcohol-related incident which looks to have brought an end to his international career.

Big void

Fast bowler Brett Lee admits his absence will be a big blow to the Aussies' chances of success over the next three weeks, but urged his team-mates to concentrate on matters on the field.

"We have to move on. As his team-mates we are disappointed that Andrew is going home but we will try to find a way to fill that gap," said Lee.

"He's a world-class player and to leave a gap like that is not great for the Australian team but we always find a way to fill a void.

"We are here to focus on cricket, what's happened with Andrew is a very personal blow to him but as mates we'll be sticking by him and making sure we give him our best advice and the help he needs."

Symonds' indiscretion is the latest in a series of controversies which have dogged his career, and his chances of ever turning out for the international side again appear bleak.

But Lee is hopeful world cricket has not seen the last of the explosive batsman in the green and gold.

"To lose a player of his calibre leaves a big hole in the team but hopefully he will be back shortly," added Lee. "I'm disappointed he's flying home. As his team-mates we will be trying our hardest to make sure he gets back in the Australian cricket team at some stage."

Bracken backs Symo to be back

Paceman Nathan Bracken admitted he was sorry to see Symonds depart in such circumstances and also hopes he can resume his international career at some stage.

"He's a tremendous talent, he fits in and gets on well with the boys and to say it is the end of his career is a big call," said Bracken.

"He's got the talent and the ability at this level, we all enjoy him being around and enjoy watching him play cricket so hopefully he'll be back shortly.

"When you play professional sport you have very little margin for error and for him it's been tough - to be sent home from a tour is hard so every guy in a way will feel sorry for him.

"Whether it alters our plans I don't know. But a player going out is always a definite change."

No scope for distraction

Batsman Mike Hussey insists the Australian players cannot afford to let the controversy distract them from the business in hand - starting with Saturday's clash against West Indies.

"It's a real shame, he's a great mate and a great player but we have to move on and concentrate on the cricket," said the former Durham player.

"We've got to concentrate on our preparations and make sure we are 100% ready for the West Indies on Saturday. We can't afford to let it affect our preparations.

"He's a great player so it's definitely a loss for us but we've got other capable players who can come in and fill the breach.

"I feel bad for the guy, I really hope he can get any issues sorted out and I hope he can still play cricket for Australia because he's shown over a long period of time how good a player he is.

"It's a big loss, there's no question, but we have other good players and in Twenty20 you have to be a bit flexible with your team anyway. With Andrew Symonds in our line-up we are probably more structured but now we have to be more flexible."

Tough call

England captain Paul Collingwood said: "I'm sure it was a very difficult decision for Ricky and the team management to make but I'm sure they've got their reasons to do that.

"Professional sports is a difficult arena to be in at times, but you have to make strong decisions whether they are personal decisions or for the team."