Brisbane, Jan 15: Fast bowler John Hastings has been retained in Australia's squad for the third One-Day International (ODI) against India, set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday (January 17).

Ind-Aus series schedule

"Josh has played all six Tests this summer and has had a high workload. On that basis the decision has been made to give him a break to allow him to recharge both physically and mentally ahead of the tour of New Zealand" Australia head coach Darren Lehmann said.

"We regard it as sensible management of the player and it is an approach that we have adopted successfully in Australian cricket over a significant period of time, especially in the one-day format."

The Australia squad for the final two matches of the five-match series will be announced subsequently.

IANS