Captain Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Brett Lee are to be rested from Australia's tri series one-day international against England at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Adam Gilchrist is expected to captain the team in Ponting's absence.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said today the trio would given the chance to refresh ahead of the tri series finals after a busy five month schedule.

"All three players have had very little time off since September when the side travelled to Kenya," Hohns said.

"That's a lot of cricket, so this is an opportunity for them to "freshen up" both physically and mentally ahead of the VB Series finals and World Cup.

"As selectors we are conscious of the players' heavy workload, particularly those that were part of the Test squad, so this in an opportunity for Ricky, Matthew and Brett to have some `time out'.

A similar strategy was used with Gilchrist who was rested from yesterday's match against Sri Lanka at the Gabba where Jimmy Maher was used as wicketkeeper in the four wicket win with seven balls to spare.

Meanwhile all-rounder Andrew Symonds will be allowed to remain in Brisbane to play for Queensland in its ING Cup match against South Australia on Friday before rejoining the Australian squad on Saturday.

Hohns said: "Given that Andrew has carried out 12th man duties in Australia's last two VB Series matches, we felt it was important not to deprive him of match practice."

Fast bowlers Brad Williams and Nathan Bracken, both drafted in as cover for Glenn McGrath and Andrew Bichel prior to Australia's match against Sri Lanka on 15 January, will remain with the squad.

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