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

Ponting missed the world champions' two previous games against Sri Lanka [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] and fast bowler Nathan Bracken [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] on Friday and in Sydney [ Images ] two days later.

Australia squad - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist [ Images ], Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke [ Images ], Brett Dorey, Brad Hogg [ Images ], James Hopes [ Images ], Michael Hussey [ Images ], Simon Katich [ Images ], Brett Lee [ Images ], Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath [ Images ], Andrew Symonds [ Images ].