Uncapped Ben Laughlin was on Thursday included in the Australian squad and all-rounder Brett Geeves was rewarded for his performance against Bangladesh as the National Selection Panel announced teams for two Twenty20 and five One-Day Internationals against South Africa.
Laughlin and Geeves will replace Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle, who are being rested from the South African one-day series as part of their workload management to prepare for key upcoming events, including the World Twenty20 and the Ashes.
David Warner and Shane Harwood have also been brought in the squad but the duo will return to Australia after the two Twenty20 matches, NSP chairman Andrew Hilditch said.
"Both Peter and Ben had significant injuries during the 2008 off-season. Since returning to cricket they have had a demanding and heavy Australian season and will have completed three back-to-back Test matches in South Africa," Hilditch said in a statement.
"The recommendation of the coaching and fitness staff was that they have time off now to allow them to recuperate and then commence a structured training program in ideal preparation potentially for the World Twenty20 and the Ashes.
"This recommendation is fully supported by the National Selection Panel as an appropriate strategy leading into key tournaments and in particular the Ashes," he said.
Hilditch said Geeves had impressed in Bangladesh, while Laughlin was being looked as a 2011 World Cup prospect.
"With this of course comes opportunity. Brett Geeves performed well in the Top End Series against Bangladesh for Australia and has continued to perform well domestically. In addition to his bowling he is a potentially explosive batsmen and fielder and adds to the versatility of the one-day side.
"We also take the opportunity to introduce Ben Laughlin to Australian cricket. Ben has had an extremely good summer for Queensland and was instrumental in their one-day final victory. Ben will add to the versatility of the Australian bowling line up as we continue to look at options progressing forward to the 2011 World Cup," he said.
On absence of Shaun Marsh, he said "It was not considered appropriate to rush him back into one-day cricket for Australia."
"Shaun is recovering from a significant hamstring injury. He is recovering well, but further testing of hamstring strength is being undertaken and he has not been match tested at all. We would expect Shaun to be available for selection in the Pakistan one-day series," he added.
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brett Geeves, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Laughlin, Adam Voges, Cameron White, David Warner, Shane Harwood.
