Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is sitting out Tuesday's fourth one-day international against New Zealand in Wellington to rest a slight thigh strain.

But Ponting says both he and injured opener Matt Hayden will play the final game in Napier on Saturday.

Queensland all-rounder James Hopes will make his debut - spinner Brad Hogg is being rested from a line-up that includes all four quick bowlers.

Adam Gilchrist will skipper the side which is looking for its six straight one-day win.

New Zealand is resting spinner Daniel Vettori to help him overcome a sore back before the three-Test series starts next week in Christchurch.

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