New Zealand coach John Bracewell has continued his campaign of antagonising Australia by suggesting Adam Gilchrist's absence from the deciding game of the Chappell-Hadlee series was not because the vice-captain was being rested.

After causing a stir last week by raising doubts over the legitimacy of speedster Shaun Tait's bowling action, Bracewell directed his needling at Gilchrist.

In a mysterious exchange at the team's hotel, Bracewell claimed to have some inside knowledge about why the wicket-keeper returned to Perth for a week's leave instead of playing in Thursday's match in Hobart.

Asked whether he was surprised by Gilchrist's absence with the trophy still on the line, Bracewell said: "No, not at all because of the circumstances of why he's left out of the team."

Pressed further, Bracewell added: "They're not for me to reveal. It's down as `rested', but they're not for me to reveal."

So, could it be family reasons?

"I don't know. It's not necessarily rested."

In June, Gilchrist said he was considering quitting one-day cricket to prolong his Test career and spend more time with his wife and three children, but there were no suggestions of immediate retirement mid-season.

Several members of the New Zealand tour squad appeared baffled by Bracewell's claims, while Gilchrist reportedly reacted with some annoyance on arrival at Perth Airport after Sunday night's washout in Sydney.

He said the break with his family had been planned for the past three weeks, and would give NSW's Brad Haddin a chance with the gloves.

Monday was Bracewell's first public appearance since the Shaun Tait chucking controversy exploded last Thursday, and he attempted to play it down.

"If I had an issue with his action I would have spoken to the match referee and I haven't."

Asked whether he was satisfied Tait's action was within the laws, he said: "I just haven't spoken to the match referee. He's a bowler like everyone else. He's damn fast and good on him.

"It was never mentioned in our camp. We read it in the newspaper like everybody else."

Despite perhaps lighting the fuse again with his comments about Gilchrist, Bracewell was adamant New Zealand, who can retain the trophy with a win at Bellerive Oval, had nothing to gain by firing up the Australians, who lead the series 1-0.

"It's a big enough challenge playing Australia as it is without throwing an issue in and firing them up. I'd rather catch them asleep."

While his fast bowlers may beg to differ, Bracewell claimed Gilchrist's absence from a depth-laden side would not have a marked effect.

That was despite his whirlwind innings of 51 off 29 balls which sparked the hosts' seven-wicket win in Adelaide.

Bracewell also rejected paceman Brett Lee's assertion that Australia inflicted more psychological damage by reducing New Zealand to 3-12 in Sydney on Sunday before rain saw the match abandoned with the visitors at 3-30.

"To go down to Hobart and have to win a game to win a trophy is a good position to be in," Bracewell said.

"It was only a six-over game. Everything starts afresh so the psychological advantage finishes with a non-result."

Bracewell was confident Brendon McCullum would be fit to bat and keep wickets after nursing a thigh strain on Sunday.

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