Cricket: Troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds was overlooked for Australia's squad for this year's Ashes series in England after the national selectors opted for youth over experience.
Symonds, who turns 34 next month, was ditched in favour of the younger Shane Watson and Andrew McDonald in a predictable 16-man squad for the five-test series starting in July.
"I think the selectors have definitely got it right," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said. "I think we've got a great balance of youth and experience . . . and I'm really excited about the prospects of a great series."
Australia have been steadily rebuilding their squad in preparation for the Ashes after a spate of high-profile retirements since their 5-0 thrashing of England in 2006-07.
The selectors experimented with a range of new players before seemingly to have settled on the right combination during their recent tour of South Africa.
"The core of the squad is made up of the side which successfully won the test series in South Africa and includes Phillip Hughes and Marcus North who both scored hundreds on debut," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.
"The young fast bowling group which performed so well in South Africa of Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus will all be taking part in their first Ashes tour to England.
"As shown in South Africa, they have the skills to perform at the international level and will be well suited to English conditions."
The only contentious decision was the omission of Symonds, whose test career appears finished, following a series of alcohol and disciplinary issues over the past few seasons.
"We all know how good a player Andrew can be but the facts are he went out of the side," Ponting said.
"Opportunities were given to others and the others that have come into those positions have played exceptionally well and played well enough to keep Andrew out of the squad.
"He'll be disappointed but I've got a squad of 16 players now to take to England that I'm very confident that we can play a level of cricket that's going to be good enough to win the series."