Sydney, Feb. 2 : Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has said that he is missing the next two one-day internationals against New Zealand "reluctantly", adding that the decision was made by the selectors alone.

"My absolute priority is to the Australian cricket team. I wanted to play on through the coming week and continue to lead the team in the series against New Zealand. However, the decision was made by the national selection panel as part of their plan to rest all players at appropriate times during this year," Fox Sports quoted Ponting, as saying.

"I have reluctantly accepted their decision and will be eagerly awaiting my return to the team," he added.

Waugh said on Monday that international players were taking advantage of more opportunities and had to be careful in taking breaks from national duty. (ANI)