Ponting ruled unfit, Hayden recalled for NZ tour

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - Australian batsman Ricky Ponting was today ruled out of the one-day international cricket series in New Zealand with an ankle injury. He was replaced by Queensland opener Matthew Hayden.

A medical specialist advised that Ponting would be another two to three weeks on the sidelines, putting him out of the six-match series against the Kiwis beginning in Wellington on Wednesday.

Ponting injured his ankle in a fielding mishap during Australia's win over Pakistan in the final of the tri-series tournament at the SCG nine days ago.

He joined the Australian squad in Sydney today but he will return to Tasmania for rest and physiotherapy, saying he was disappointed not to be on tour but he hopes to be right to travel to New Zealand for next month's three-Test series. - AAP