Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds will have surgery today, after rupturing the bicep tendon in his right shoulder against England at the SCG on Friday night.
The injury has ruled Symonds out of the remainder of the tri-series and the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, while he could also be unavailable forthe upcoming World Cup in the West Indies.
Following surgery, he will undergo intensive physiotherapy in an attempt to prove his fitness ahead of Australia's opening World Cup match against Scotland on March 14.
Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting will return to captain Australia today in the tri-series fixture against New Zealand at the MCG.
He missed Friday night's 92-run defeat to England because of a hip injury.
Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson have been recalled to the Australian XI, while Nathan Bracken is being rested and Glenn McGrath has been named as 12th man.
Meanwhile, for the Black Caps, Stephen Fleming will wait until shortly before the start to announce the make-up of their bowling attack, with Shane Bond likely to be rested in one of the remaining two qualifying matches.
Bond played in the win over England last Tuesday and could be replaced by Kyle Mills. Scott Styris has recently joined up with the squad, having overcome his back problems.
