Australia v West Indies at Kennington Oval, London - Preview

London: Captain Ricky Ponting leads his side into action against West Indies at the Oval on Saturday on the back of seeing team-mate Andrew Symonds sent home for disciplinary reasons (Cameron White being drafted in as his replacement).

Australia's plans had earlier been running smoothly on the back of convincing warm-up victories over Bangladesh and New Zealand. It was their powerful batting line-up that caught the eye at Nottingham before pace bowling duo Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson were in rampant form against the Kiwis.

Australia will be forced into a late change of plan when they begin their quest for the ICC World Twenty20 title against the West Indies at the Oval on Saturday now that Andrew Symonds has been sent home.

The controversial all-rounder was given his marching orders following an alcohol related incident that may well have brought down the curtain on the Queensland star's international career.

This is not the first time Symonds has been undone in this way - he was dropped for two matches during Australia's 2005 tour of England after turning up on the morning of their shock one-day loss to Bangladesh in Cardiff the worse for wear.

That was certainly the view of the Deccan Chargers, winners a few weeks ago of the Indian Premier League, who paid $1.35 million for the services of the Birmingham-born Symonds.

However, Australia know what it is like to be rocked by a late withdrawal - leg-spin great Shane Warne sustained a drugs ban on the eve of their unbeaten run to the 2003 World Cup title in South Africa - and still do well.

Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke insists the loss of key all-rounder Symonds has not impacted negatively on the squad ahead of their tournament opener.

"No matter what comes along on a tour, as a team you need to stick together," said Clarke.

"The boys have trained really well and are looking forward to tomorrow's game. What's happened in the past will stay in the past.

"Our preparation has been spot-on. We've played very well in the practice matches and we're looking forward to the game against West Indies."

Their opposition have been troubled both on and off the field over the last few weeks, with skipper Chris Gayle first overseeing comprehensive series defeats by England in Test and ODI cricket before failing to impress during their last World Twenty20 warm-up match against England.

Gayle opted to leave batting duties to his team-mates at Lord's, in Wednesday's nine-wicket defeat, having found his touch against Scotland earlier in the week with a quickfire 88 not out.

The left-handed opener got the inaugural World Twenty20 off to a thumping start when he took the South Africans for 117 the only century in T20 International cricket's brief history.

Having been outspoken during the recent Test series with England about his preference for the shorter forms of the game, Gayle is looking forward to the 20-over challenges ahead.

"I am an attacking person, and hopefully that can bring a lot of joy and smiling in the crowd.

"The environment is brilliant when Twenty20 is going on. When Test match cricket is going on it is a bit more laid back and quiet."

Match facts
Saturday June 06, 2009
Start time 14.00 local, 13.00GMT

Highlights of the match