Aus likely to play reserves for NZ tie

Australia, having already qualified for the final, may rest players for Sunday's one-day tri-series tie against New Zealand, Ricky Ponting said.

Australia, having already qualified for the final, may rest players for Sunday's one-day tri-series tie against New Zealand, captain Ricky Ponting said on Saturday.

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Left-handed batsman Jimmy Maher, who also keeps wicket, was likely to play his first game of the tournament.

Experienced fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz has also recovered from a side strain which has sidelined him after being chosen because of injuries to Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee.

The world champions top the standings with 18 points with New Zealand and hosts India level on nine points with two games left.

Ponting said Australia were keen to score their third straight win over the Kiwis in the series.

"We are trying hard for the last couple of days and are well prepared," he said. "We have done well enough, but we are not overconfident."

Ponting said he was also determined to improve his personal batting form, having scored a 61 runs in four innings with a highest of 31 so far.

New Zealand coach Ashley Ross was pleased his team was beginning to gather momentum after the four-wicket win over the hosts on Thursday.

He said all-rounder Chris Cairns, who missed the match in Cuttack due to a hamstring injury, will undergo a fitness test in the morning.