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

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.

Australia 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.