Ponting to miss Perth ODI

Ricky Ponting will miss the one-day international against India to be played on February 1. Cricket Australia has decided to rest him so as to ensure that he is fresh for the finals, which will be contested between Australia and India. Adam Gilchrist will captain the side in his absence, and Simon Katich will replace him in the squad.

Announcing this, Trevor Hohns, the chief selector, said: "Just as Matthew Hayden and Gilchrist have benefited from a short layoff during this VB Series, we felt that a break would help Ricky in the lead-up to the series finals and upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Gilchrist is a proven leader and is the right man to captain the side in Ricky's absence."