Ponting Ruled Out ODIs Series Against New Zealand

Melbourne: Beleaguered Australia cricket team will be without their captain Ricky Ponting in the rest of the One-dayers against New Zealand as the national selectors want to give him enough rest before the South African tour.

Australia's dismal run continues as they lost the first game of the five-match series against the Kiwis by two wickets in Perth. Australia lost last four ODIs, before New Zealand defeat in both One-day and Test series against South Africa.

Michael Clarke will take over the responsibility of leading the team in Ponting's absence.

"We are discussing Ricky having a break at the moment. The reality is if he doesn't have a break now, he won't get one until the end of the South African tour, so I think a break is quite likely."

"It's been pretty hard on him since India - it's been a long stint. Ricky wanted to play the entire South African series for obvious reasons, so if there is going to be a break, it will be against New Zealand," Andrew Hilditch said.

Opener Shaun Marsh is also under a doubt to take guard in the next match as he is feared to have suffered a tear in hamstring during the first ODI.