Brisbane, Australia: Veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been rested and all-rounder Shane Watson recalled from injury for Australia's squad to start a five-game limited-overs series against South Africa next month, a clash of the top two ODI teams ahead of the World Cup.
Haddin, who is with the Australian squad preparing for the second test against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates this week, will get a break ahead of the four-test home series against India starting Dec. 4.
Selectors announced a 13-man squad on Wednesday for the first two ODIs against South Africa at the WACA in Perth, recalling Matthew Wade in Haddin's place and including six pace bowling options but no spinners.
"We are continuing to keep a close eye on players we feel could have a significant role to play in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and many of these players have been rewarded with selection in this initial squad to face South Africa," selector Rod Marsh said. "At this stage, the squad is only for the first two matches of the series and balances out player preparation for long and short form cricket as we build into a big summer."
South Africa took the No. 1 ODI ranking from Australia this week in the wake of its series win in New Zealand.
Watson missed Australia's tours to Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates because of ankle and calf injuries.
Josh Hazlewood overcame a back problem to earn his place in the squad, joining fellow quicks Mitchell Johnson, Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile as well and allrounders Mitchell Marsh and Watson. David Warner, Aaron Finch and Watson are expected to bat at the top of the order, with skipper Michael Clarke, George Bailey and Steve Smith in the middle.
"We are pleased with the batting line-up that we have at our disposal. It has great balance," Marsh said. "We again look forward to seeing some entertaining cricket against South Africa, a side that we've had some excellent battles with in recent times."
The South Africans will open the tour with three Twenty20 internationals against Australia in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney before the ODI series starts on Nov. 14.
Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.
