Australia rest Ponting

Cricket Australia have decided to rest Ricky Ponting for the remaining one-dayers

Australia have omitted skipper Ricky Ponting from the squad for the forthcoming two one-day internationals against New Zealand.

Ponting has been rested due to Cricket Australia's policy on managing player workload while Shaun Marsh is ruled out with a hamstring injury, so uncapped South Australian Callum Ferguson and Western Australia batsman Adam Voges are drafted into the 13-man party.

Australia lost the first one-dayer against the Black Caps, going down by two wickets in Perth.

National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch stressed it was vital Ponting was given a break while backing Ferguson and Voges to make their mark.

"Naturally, as Australia captain, Ricky is keen to play every game and these next two games were no exception," he said.

"However, it was always planned that Ricky would have a break at this time. While this is a difficult decision for the NSP, given the current performance of the team, in our view it is essential that Ricky has an opportunity to prepare for the forthcoming South Africa tour given his immense workload since the start of the India tour in late September last year.

"Adam Voges and Callum Ferguson are additions to the squad. Both Adam and Callum are having very strong Ford Ranger Cup seasons. While it is a difficult time for the side it is very important that we continue to show faith and support this young side as we rebuild.”

The series recommences at the MCG on Friday, with the third game to be played in Sydney on Sunday.

Australia's 13-man squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Mike Hussey, Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Cameron White, Adam Voges.