Born: 9/6/75 Teams: Queensland, Kent ODI debut: v Pakistan at Lahore, 1998/99 Right-handed batsman Right-arm medium bowler

Symonds came into his own during the World Cup.

The English-born all-rounder came close to being axed from the side due to his inconsistency with both bat and ball but the selectors opted to keep faith in him.

That faith was duly repaid with a superb tournament.

Symonds topped the batting averages, scoring 326 runs at an average of 163, including a blistering 143 not out.

Now, more than ever, the former Gloucestershire star will be an immediate starter against the West Indies.

His impressive batting during the World Cup turned the attention away from his value with the ball.

He managed just two wickets at an average of 60 but was Australia's star performer in the field.

After his recent success, much will be expected of him this time around.

But the 27-year-old's record with the bat against the Windies is less than impressive - he has an average of just 25.5.

His bowling has fared much better to date against the Caribbean side, having taken eight wickets at 24.9 apiece.