Aussies go for squad rotation

Lee is rested while Andrew Symonds could play

Australia will field one of their weakest sides in years against England in the final VB Series group game between the two sides on Sunday.

Captain Ricky Ponting, in-form opener Matthew Hayden and pace spearhead Brett Lee will all be given a well-earned rest.

England will have a fine chance of scoring a rare win against the old enemy, having lost the last 10 encounters between the two teams.

In January 1999, a 190-run stand between Graeme Hick and Nasser Hussain, and some good bowling by Darren Gough gave England a seven-run win in Sydney.

This in an opportunity for Ricky, Matthew and Brett to have some "time out"

Trevor Hohns
Australian selector

As well as missing the servies of Ponting, Hayden and Lee, Australia are also without two key bowlers in Jason Gillespie and Shane Warne who are both injured.

Furthermore, Glenn McGrath does not look 100% fit at the moment.

Adam Gilchrist will be back to captain the side, however, while all-rounder Andrew Symonds is likely to play.

Lee's place could be taken by Andy Bichel, assuming he is fit enough. Otherwise, Nathan Bracken could get a match.

Heavy workload

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said: "As selectors we are conscious of the players' heavy workload.

"This in an opportunity for Ricky, Matthew and Brett to have some "time out".

"We undertook a similar strategy with Adam Gilchrist in yesterday's match against Sri Lanka in Brisbane."