Australia's cricket selectors won't be swayed by any desire to prepare for the 2007 World Cup when they choose a one-day squad for the tour of New Zealand.

Chief selector Trevor Hohns has strongly denied a second straight Cup defence would cloud the panel's selection quandaries when they decide on a 14-man squad.

Veteran lefthanders Matthew Hayden and Darren Lehmann's limited-overs careers are at a crossroads but the selectors' focus on this winter's Ashes tour is set to save them from the axe.

Hohns distanced the four-man panel - which postponed its selection meeting for a second time on Tuesday - from coach John Buchanan's comments that a broad 20-man squad was being developed with 2007 in mind.

"Not at all, certainly not," Hohns told AAP. "We've got an Ashes series coming up and that's what's on our mind and it's too early to be thinking World Cup just yet.

"At this stage we're focusing on New Zealand and England."

A far-sighted view towards the World Cup may have spelled the end of Hayden in the one-day uniform after he was dropped for the tri-series finals against Pakistan following a mere 44 runs in five innings.

Lehmann's chances of retaining his place in the middle-order also appear stronger due to Hohns' overwhelming regard for the most eagerly-anticipated Ashes series in 16 years.

He indicated the selectors were intent on maintaining consistency for the battle with a resurgent England to ensure likely tourists are confident and in peak form.

"There's no doubt about it and no need to yet be focusing on the World Cup as far as selection goes, we'll address that as we go along," Hohns said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP