Australia has left Glenn McGrath out of their squad for their Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series against the BLACKCAPS.
Australia selectors have decided to ‘manage the 35-year-old’s bowling workload ahead of what is a busy schedule for the team’, according to a statement.
In place of McGrath, the selectors have turned to international rookie Michael Lewis has been selected for the first time.
Selection Panel chairman Trevor Hohns said: "Michael has also been a very solid performer for Victoria for a very long time. We have every confidence and faith that he will do a good job for us in the series and he thoroughly deserves his opportunity."
McGrath's absence is just one of a number of changes from the team that took on the ICC World XI in October.
Shane Watson, James Hopes, Shaun Tait and Damien Martyn have all been ruled out through injury.
Brad Hogg returns for the first time since injuring his knee before the Super Series, while Brad Hodge has been selected in his first Australian one-day international team to replace Martyn, who has not recovered from a broken finger.
Hohns said: "Brad Hodge has been a strong performer for Victoria in both forms of the game for a long period of time. We have seen what he has done at Test level given the opportunity, and believe he will also do the job in the one-day side."
Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Simon Katich, Michael Lewis, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Cameron White.
for ticket information for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.
