Ponting was rested for the last two games against Sri Lanka but comes in for Brad Hodge in a 14-man squad.

Paceman Nathan Brackan is also back after missed the victory in Perth on Sunday for personal reasons.

Australia, almost certain of a final place, face the Proteas in Melbourne on Friday and Sydney two days later.

There has been some criticism of the hosts' policy of resting key players but Adam Gilchrist believes it is working.

The wicketkeeper smashed a superb century in Perth after also sitting out two matches.

"There is no doubt the rest helped me immensely, as it has done in the previous four years," he said.

"People are questioning a couple of guys having a rest. We have been doing this for a long time now, particularly in my position.

"People are passing judgement -- that's fine -- but we are trying to manage our team the best way we see possible, for the short and long-term."

SQUAD
Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Hussey, Simon Katich, Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, James Hopes, Brett Lee, Brad Hogg, Brett Dorey, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Glenn McGrath.