SYDNEY, Dec 17: Match-winner Adam Gilchrist will be rested from Thursday’s Chappell-Hadlee Trophy’s final One-day International against New Zealand to ease his workload ahead of the India Test series, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Monday.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said they always intended to manage wicketkeeper Gilchrist’s cricket given his time behind the stumps and his important role in the batting order.

“It was always the selection panel’s intention for Adam to play in the Twenty20 international and the opening two matches of the Chappell Hadlee Trophy regardless of results,” Hilditch said. “It’s important that Adam’s workload is suitably managed with four Tests against India and the tri one-day series ahead.

“This strategy is consistent with the one employed by the selection panel in recent seasons.”

New South Wales wicket-keeper Brad Haddin will deputise for Gilchrist in the third and final Chappell Hadlee Trophy game against the Black Caps in Hobart.

Team coach Tim Nielsen denied Australia were being arrogant towards New Zealand in resting Gilchrist from the deciding one-dayer.

Australia lead the series 1-0, but must win Thursday’s game in Hobart to regain the trophy won by the Blacks Caps last season.

Nielsen said the decision to rest Gilchrist was made well before game two was washed out in Sydney on Sunday.“I don’t think we’re being arrogant, we’re trying to look after the workload of our senior players,” Nielsen told reporters on Monday. “It was planned a month ago when we looked at the programme.

“It gives us a chance for him to go home to Perth for a bit of a break and come back to Melbourne (to play India on Boxing Day) fresh, which was always important for us heading into the first Test.”—AFP