BLACKCAPS coach John Bracewell was expecting Australia to leave one of their pace attack out of their Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series squad.
Their selectors have elected to rest Glenn McGrath, sending a side which sees a number of changes from the team which overcame the ICC World XI in October.
As well as McGrath’s absence, Shane Watson, James Hopes, Shaun Tait and Damian Martyn have all been ruled out through injury.
But Bracewell remained adamant this was not a weakened Australia side. Indeed their ability to bring in other top-class options was something he admired.
He told : "It was predictable they would drop either McGrath or Lee. That would make sense given the amount of cricket they will play this summer."
The coach explained the world champions’ party is a reflection of the health of their domestic game.
"It's a strong Australian squad," he added. "It shows the strength of Australian cricket that they can pick a squad of such strength and depth. It's a typical Australian squad, with a good balance."
The three-game Chappell-Hadlee series begins at Eden Park, Auckland on December 3.
for ticket information for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.
