Ponting recalled to Australia squad

After missing previous two matches due to rotation policy, the Aussie captain will play the final two ODIs against South Africa.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been recalled to the squad for their final two one-day matches against South Africa.

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Ponting missed the world champions' two previous games against Sri Lanka as part of the selectors' rotational policy of giving all their players a rest at some stage during the series.

Ponting replaces middle-order batsman Brad Hodge and fast bowler Nathan Bracken returns to the 14-man squad after pulling out of the last game for personal reasons.

Australia, already virtually assured of a place in the best-of-three final, play South Africa in Melbourne on Friday and in Sydney two days later.

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