Instead Jamie Kermond, ranked as 1150th on the world scale, will take his place at Tokyo later this month.

Australia's second highest ranked athlete, Scott Keach, has also been knocked out of the team.

He will be replaced by Katie Laurie ranked 469th.

They will be joined by Edwina Tops-Alexander.

Willis, who is ranked 59^th and was named as the team's reserve, queried the decision of selectors in an email to Equestrian Australia executives.

"I met all the nomination criteria, threshold criteria, the additional provisions related to the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021 and the confirmation result criteria," he said.

"In these three years I have had the best results of any other Australian rider by far.

"I, along with Blue Movie, have been one of the most successful partnerships in the world winning roughly [$2 million].

"My partnership with my horse Blue Movie has been one of the best and most consistent in the world over the last four years and I am sure many people worldwide would consider we have the ability to achieve an individual medal and contribute towards Australia achieving a team medal."

Under Equestrian Australia rules, two officials select the team.

Criteria to be on the team includes being an Australian citizen, association member and satisfies the Australian Olympic Committee.

It is unlikely selectors will overturn their decision.

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Furthermore Willis originally appealed the decision but rescinded that on legal advice.

Nevertheless, questions remain as to whether Australia will be sending the best line up to the Olympics.

Willis had previously represented Australia at the World Equestrian Games in 2018 where he finished 12th overall in the individual event and helped Australia secure 6th in the teams' event, snaring their ticket to Tokyo.

More to come.

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