Australia named paceman Brett Lee and drummer David Hussey in a squad of 14 men for the first of seven one-day internationals against England, improving their chances of making the cut for next month World Cup.
ODI on Sunday at Melbourne Cricket Ground Australia will last before Jan. 19 deadline by which teams must name their final 15 for the tournament in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
"The team is selected to match the national selection committee to consider some players before selecting the ICC Cricket World Cup team January 15, 1919," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in a statement.
"Ricky Ponting is recovering from a finger injury during Ash, giving Michael Clarke a second chance to lead one-day side."
Ponting, who underwent surgery on the little finger of his left hand after having wounded during the Ashes defeat in Australia's overall England should be able to February 19 to April 2 World Cup.
Lee, 34, last played in Australia in an ODI against India in October 2009 and struggled with injuries that forced him to retire from the race in February last year.
"We have a rapid explosion Bowling Shaun Tait, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and Peter Siddle, all selected for this team," said Hilditch.
