Despite the vocal support of Ricky Ponting English all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been left out of the Australia squad for the upcoming Ashes Tour.
Injury prone Shane Watson and dibby dobby medium pacer Andrew McDonald have been included to fill the role of all-rounders.
The five-Test series starts with the First Test in Cardiff from July 8 and finishes with the Fifth Test at The Oval in late August.
Australia hold the Ashes courtesy of Ricky Ponting's side's win at home in 2006-07, to regain the urn after a 2-1 defeat in England in 2005.
Symonds' omission must be seen as a snub for captain Ricky Ponting, who yesterday had offered his support for Symonds, saying he was "a great guy to have around a team" and that wouldn't be surprised if he figured in the selectors' plans.
The 16-man Australian Ashes squad:
Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Simon Katich, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Andrew McDonald, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Graham Manou (who?), Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Stuart Clark, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Hauritz.
Jardine's Verdict: A strong Australian squad maybe. World beaters definitely not. Ashes winners? Maybe not. The prospect of old Brett Lee bowling into the wind with Mr "not as good at Cricket as he used to be" Hussey fumbling in the covers must give some encouragement to England.
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