Mike Hussey has warned his teammates not to let Andrew Symonds' abrupt departure distract them from ICC World Twenty20.

The controversy has detracted from the build-up to Australia's opening game against West Indies on Saturday, but Australia batsman Hussey knows they must quickly regain their focus despite the loss of a potential match-winner.

"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 opener.

Focus on Windies

"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."

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.

Lee has hopes

But fast bowler Brett 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," said 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."