Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been fined for the insulting comment he made about New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum in a radio interview.

The 33-year-old pleaded guilty and was fined Australian dollars 4,000 (£1,900) by Cricket Australia code of conduct commissioner Gordon Lewis following a hearing at CA headquarters in Melbourne.

“Whilst the comments were intended to be light-hearted, I acknowledge that they were careless and, as such, I accept the fine that I have received,” said Symonds.

“I want to again apologise to Brendon McCullum for my comments and thank him for his understanding.

“I want to reinforce that I remain committed to Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket, and I look forward to putting this matter behind me so that I can focus on my cricket.”

Symonds’ future is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the CA board scheduled for next Tuesday.

Chief executive James Sutherland, attending the Prime Minister’s XI match against New Zealand in Canberra, said he wants to consult with Symonds’ counsellor to get a better understanding of how his rehabilitation from alcohol problems is progressing.

“I certainly see that this is a setback along the way but we need to get a better understanding of things and make some informed judgements going forward,” Sutherland said.

Symonds was referred for counselling when he was suspended from the Australian team last year following the ‘gone fishing’ affair.