Reuters
 
Sydney, Jan 16: Ricky Ponting will miss Australia's next tri-series match against England in Brisbane on Friday after being ordered to rest.

Victoria state middle-order batsmen Brad Hodge will take Ponting's place in the team with Adam Gilchrist assuming the captaincy.

Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Ponting had been given the match off as part of a rotation policy to ensure the country's top players did not burn themselves out before the World Cup in the West Indies later this year.

"We feel that Ricky Ponting needs and deserves a break," Hilditch said in a statement.

 "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."

Hodge has not played a one-day international for Australia in almost a year but pressed his claims for selection with some impressive performances in the domestic state competition.

"Brad Hodge is a logical replacement for Ricky in this squad of 14," Hilditch said.

"He has been in exceptional form for Victoria this summer and will enjoy this opportunity in the 14-man squad for Friday's game."

Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were both included in the squad after missing Sunday's 105 run win over New Zealand in Hobart but are not certain to play. Australian squad Adam Gilchrist (captain), Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Brad Hogg, Mitchell Johnson, Cameron White, Ben Hilfenhaus.