Prolific batsman Phil Jaques was omitted on Wednesday from Australia's squad for the one-day tour of South Africa starting later this month.
Jaques has scored heavily for his state New South Wales and made 94 in his only one-day international but the selectors kept faith with Simon Katich and Damien Martyn who helped Australia win the recent tri-series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
All-rounder Shane Watson was recalled to the national squad for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury in November.
"We have picked what we consider a well balanced squad. There is a good blend of youth and experience in the team for what promises to be a challenging series," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.
Seam bowler Mitchell Johnson was named in the 14-man squad which will play five on-day internationals and a Twenty20 match against the South Africans starting on February 24.
James Hopes and Brett Dorey were dropped.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Simon Katich, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Shane Watson, Brett Lee, Brad Hogg, Nathan Bracken, Mick Lewis, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson.
The itinerary is as follows:
| Fri 24 February | Twenty20 match, Johannesburg |
| Sun 26 February | 1st ODI, Centurion |
| Fri 3 March | 2nd ODI, Capetown |
| Sun 5 March | 3rd ODI, Port Elizabeth |
| Fri 10 March | 4th ODI, Durban |
| Sun 12 March | 5th ODI, Johannesburg |