Melbourne, Feb. 2: Uncapped South Australia batsman Callum Ferguson and Western Australia batsman Adam Voges were called into the Australian squad on Monday to replace captain Ricky Ponting and opener Shaun Marsh respectively.

Ponting has been rested while Marsh sustained a hamstring injury in game one in Perth, Fox Sports reports.

Ponting''s withdrawal despite his side''s loss of four successive matches is sure to provoke discussion, but chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch defended the need for all players to be given time to recover physical and mental energy for the coming tours of South Africa and England.

Hilditch was also moved to call for faith in the new players passing through the squad with far greater frequency than had been seen during the past era of dominance.

"Naturally, as Australian captain, Ricky is keen to play every game and these next two games were no exception," Hilditch said.

"However, it was always planned that Ricky would have a break at this time.

"While this is a difficult decision for the national selection panel, given the current performance of the team, in our view it is essential that Ricky has an opportunity to prepare for the forthcoming South Africa tour given his immense workload since the start of the India tour in late September last year."

Voges has been around the national set-up for some time, playing one match against the Kiwis in 2007, but Ferguson is a new name.

An elegant strokemaker, 24-year-old Ferguson has developed into a player capable of going on after making a start, something he had struggled to do in previous summers.

"Both Adam and Callum are having very strong Ford Ranger Cup seasons,'''' Hilditch said.

"While it is a difficult time for the side it is very important that we continue to show faith and support this young side as we rebuild.

"Both are exciting young players with the attitude and talent to succeed at this level.

"We believe that this group can get the job done against New Zealand."

Hard-hitting wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, meanwhile indicated that he would be happy to move to the top of the order given that Marsh had been ruled out.

"It''s something I''ve done in the past and something I''ve enjoyed doing," Haddin said. (ANI)