|
Cricket Australia (CA) said Victoria state middle-order batsman Brad Hodge would replace Ponting, who returns for the January 21 match against New Zealand here.
Ponting will spend a few days at home after a heavy summer workload to preserve enrgy and ensure peak form in the World Cup in March.
With the Ashes complete and Australia on top in the tri series, CA said it will carefully manage the workload of key players in the lead-up to the showpiece tournament in the Caribbean.
''We feel that Ricky Ponting needs and deserves a break,'' chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.
''He has played every match for Australia in all forms of the game since the DLF Finals in Malaysia in September, and we think this is the right time for him to allow his body to rest ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup.'' Hilditch said Hodge's form for Victoria warranted a call-up to the national squad.
''Brad Hodge is a logical replacement for Ricky in this squad of 14. He has been in exceptional form for Victoria this summer and will enjoy this opportunity in the 14-man squad for Friday's game.'' Adam Gilchrist will stand in as captain and Mike Hussey will be his deputy.
Australia squad: Adam Gilchrist (c), Michael Hussey (vc), Brad Hodge, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Brad Hogg, Mitchell Johnson, Cameron White and Ben Hilfenhaus
Agencies