Melbourne: Adam Gilchrist will miss the warm-up matches when the defending champions begin their World Cup campaign in the Caribbean starting next month.

Gilchrist has reportedly been allowed to take compassionate leave as his wife Mel is due to give birth to their third child just days before the national squad heads for the two-month tournament on February 28, according to media reports.

Depending on the date of the birth, Gilchrist could miss Australia's warm-up matches against Zimbabwe on March 6 and England on March 9.

Gilchrist already had been given rest for the three-match Chappell Hadlee series starting this week in New Zealand.

As cover for Gilchrist, New South Wales wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was included in the 15-member Australian squad today.