Ricky Ponting will captain Australia in their Commonwealth Bank clash with Sri Lanka in Sydney on Friday as Michael Clarke sits out with a hamstring problem.

Ponting stepped down from the role after last year's World Cup to allow Australia to move forward, but the selectors have decided that he remains a better stand-in option than the vice-captain David Warner, who is yet to lead Australia in an international.

Clarke is expected to recover from his low-grade hamstring strain in time for Sunday's game against India in Brisbane.

"After careful consideration the National Selection Panel has asked Ricky Ponting if he would captain the Australian ODI team in Michael Clarke's absence," said John Inverarity.

"David Warner is a young player making his way. He displays considerable leadership potential, but the NSP is of the view that he should not, at this moment, have the added responsibility of captaincy thrust on him. David has been gaining valuable experience under Michael Clarke's captaincy and now he will have the opportunity to grow his leadership skills further as vice-captain to Ricky Ponting.

"In making this decision the NSP reminded itself of the fact that Ricky Ponting led the winning Australian ICC Cricket World Cup teams in 2003 and 2007. The NSP appreciates the fact that Ricky is prepared to accept this responsibility in the wider interests of the team."

Meanwhile Matthew Wade retained his place in the squad at the expense of Brad Haddin, with an explanation of the decision strangely absent from Cricket Australia's media release.

In announcing the original squad for Australia's first three matches in the series, the selectors claimed that Haddin was being rested after an arduous Test series.

However with Wade in excellent form with the gloves and weighing in with some runs, it appears that Haddin may now be surplus to requirements - as he suggested in a radio interview prior to the series when he claimed he said he might as well have been dropped.

Michael Hussey was genuinely rested for the defeat to India on Sunday and so he returns to the side, while Brett Lee has made a swifter recovery than expected from a toe injury and so he comes back into the squad.

"Some players are showing signs of fatigue after a demanding summer in which the Australian team has played with great intensity and purpose and performed with distinction," added Inverarity.

"The National Selection Panel has omitted Ryan Harris for this reason and for the fact that he is carrying some minor niggles.

"The NSP has refreshed the squad with the inclusion of Brett Lee and Ben Hilfenhaus. Brett is making a good recovery from his toe injury and will be given rigorous fitness tests before Friday's ODI fixture. As expected Michael Hussey returns to the squad.

"The NSP also looks forward to Shane Watson playing in the forthcoming Bupa Shield match and proving his fitness."

Commenting on Shane Watson, physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Shane played a Grade cricket game in Sydney on Saturday. He batted and bowled in that game without any issue and will be available for consideration for selection for a Bupa Shield game in Perth later this week as he continues his return from injury."

Australia squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Ricky Ponting (captain for Friday's ODI vs Sri Lanka), David Warner (vc), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade.