Rotation policy on hold but Gilchrist out

Australia is set to shelve its controversial player rotation policy and field its strongest possible side for Thursday's tri-series cricket match against New Zealand in Sydney.

But the Aussies will be without vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, who pulled out of the team tonight for personal reasons.

Gilchrist will be replaced by West Australian wicketkeeper Ryan Campbell.

All eyes will be on the XI named to play the Kiwis after chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns today indicated rotation of the 14-squad members was likely to be set aside as the world champions attempt to get its spluttering tri-series campaign back on track.

Opening losses to New Zealand and South Africa at the MCG have left little other option - it's the first time Australia has lost its first two games since the series began in 1979-80.

Hohns said he would speak to skipper Steve Waugh and coach John Buchanan about team selection and player rotation tomorrow.

"We've got to try to put a winning team on the park," Hohns said.

"I'll be speaking to the captain and coach once I arrive in Sydney.

"It's fair to say we'll be certainly trying to put on the park the best side we can."

Hohns defended the rotation policy, designed to keep all squad members match-fit and in form, and said it was likely to be retained in the longer term with next year's World Cup in mind.

He reminded doubters of its success last season when Australia went through the home tri-series undefeated against the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

"It's something we did last year, so it's not new," Hohns said.

"Last year it was very successful in the one-day games and we had our most successful series ever.

"It's early days in this tournament, but obviously as soon as there's a couple of losses, people start asking questions."

There were four team changes - two forced by the suspension of Glenn McGrath and injury to fellow paceman Brad Williams - for the second clash which South Africa won yesterday, leaving the world champions languishing in last place in the series.

McGrath backed the rotation policy today even though the lack of Ian Harvey's tight bowling at the death appeared to leave the attack somewhat thin in his own absence yesterday.

"You look at the squad we've got. I think it doesn't matter which 11 we put on the field," McGrath said.

"I think it's equally as strong so it's good to give everyone a go and get them playing at full match fitness and ready for the next game."

McGrath said there were positive signs in yesterday's loss after a disappointing first match against New Zealand.

"We haven't really sort of clicked, batting or bowling, but there's good signs there, we're improving every game," he said.

"It's a bit like the (1999) World Cup. We started off very slowly but we got better every game, so if we continue to do that then we will be pretty happy."

Another big plus for Australia was the form of speedster Jason Gillespie who made a strong case for his retention with 2-28 off his 10 overs on return from injury last night.

Australia's usually reliable and high-scoring batting spluttered in both tri-series to date, mustering modest totals after failing to kick on in the closing stages.

"The batsmen haven't given our bowlers a great deal to bowl at, so we've got to bat better and then I think it will turn around," opener Matthew Hayden said.