Warner, Khawaja rested for Chappell-Hadlee series

Melbourne [Australia], Jan.23 (ANI): Top-order batsmen David Warner and Usman Khawaja have been rested from the 14-member Australian squad for the three-match Chappell Hadlee ODI series against New Zealand beginning January 30 at Eden Park in Auckland. While Warner, who scored a century to guide Australia to an 86-run victory over Pakistan in Sydney on Sunday, will take a complete break, Khawaja will head to Dubai for a pre-tour training camp ahead of the next month's India tour. As a result, Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh have been recalled to the ODI squad against New Zealand. It means Australia are likely to open the series with Finch and Marsh as the opening batters. Reflecting on the same, interim National Selector Trevor Hohns said Warner would miss the series in order prepare himself ahead of next month's series against the Virat Kohli-led side. "David has had a very big summer and will benefit from a break in cricket, both mentally and physically. He will travel to Dubai in the second group of departures to coincide with those players arriving from the one-day series in New Zealand," cricket.com.au quoted Hohns as saying. "This gives Aaron an opportunity to return to the side. His form in the Big Bash League has been very good and he has earnt his recall," he added. The Australia ODI squad is as follows: Steve Smith (c), Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa. (ANI)