Cricket: Ponting rested for fourth one-dayer

Australia have decided to rest captain Ricky Ponting and play their four fast bowlers in tomorrow's fourth one-day cricket international here at the Basin Reserve.

Ponting said he had a minor side strain which was not serious, while opener Matthew Hayden will miss another match with a shoulder injury sustained in the second match in Christchurch last week.

Spinner Brad Hogg is the other player omitted.

It means Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie will all play, with Queensland all-rounder James Hopes making his one-day international debut.

Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist will captain the team.

Australia lead the five match series 3-0.

Australia: Adam Gilchrist (captain), Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Mike Hussey, James Hopes, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath.

- NZPA