Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been told to back his instincts as he struggles to come out of a slump that threatens his international career.

Picked on potential by national selectors for the fifth year running, Symonds has failed to live up to expectations.

The selectors gave him a massive endorsement, giving a contract at the start of the season and then choosing him for the World Cup.

But the burly all-rounder disappointed all by scoring just 12 runs in five VB Series innings, which prompted Australian coach John Buchanan to have a word with him.

"I think it is about him backing his own instincts," Buchanan said.

"I really think the best way he can play the game is to make sure his preparation is the best it can be, which he is doing, so his instincts take hold once he gets out there rather than play like other people think he should play."

Buchanan didn't think 'impact' players such as Symonds should be marked on consistency. "I'm not sure we can ever expect consistency out of a player who is a bit of a risk-taker.

"They take those risks. That makes them exciting. At some stage during the course of this series he is going to make that impact for us."