Lehmann misses New Zealand tour

Lehmann had an ankle injury but was expected to be fit to tour

Darren Lehmann has been left out of Australia's one-day squad to tour New Zealand later this month.

The omission possibly signals the end of the 35-year-old's international career. He was dropped from the Test team last month.

Out-of-form opener Matthew Hayden is brought back into the squad after being left out of the VB Series finals against Pakistan last week.

Batsman Mike Hussey and all-rounder James Hopes also make the trip.

Batsman Lehmann's prospects took a knock as he put in three single-digit performances, including a first ball duck, during the recent VB Series.

One of the most respected and well-liked members of the Australian team, he has played 27 Tests, averaging 44.95, and 117 one-day matches, scoring 3,077 runs at 38.95.

Lehmann said chief selector Trevor Hohns had explained that the selectors were looking at younger one-day cricketers with an eye on the 2007 World Cup.

"He just said it's time to move on, and I really understand that," Lehmann said.

"Selectors have the toughest job and I understand where they're coming from and what they're working towards.

"If it's over, it's over - there is nothing I can do about it."

Hopes, 26, was a surprise inclusion, substituting for Shane Watson who was ruled out of the team with a side strain.

Australia are scheduled to play five one-day internationals and three Tests during the tour, which begins with a Twenty20 match in Auckland on 17 February.

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Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist (wkt), Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Mike Hussey, James Hopes, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath.