Clarke and Bracken back for final ODI

Australia have decided not to meddle too much with their squad for Friday's dead rubber against South Africa in Perth, where the only changes are the return from injury of Michael Clarke and Nathan Bracken. The 13-man squad does not feature Ryan Harris or Nathan Hauritz, who have made way after one appearance each.

Clarke played the first game of the series but was then left out to give him a chance to recover from a thumb problem. Bracken had a minor calf injury and was unavailable only for Monday's game in Adelaide.

The demotion of Hauritz came after he was required for only the SCG match, where he collected 2 for 60. The chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Hauritz would benefit from returning to the New South Wales side for a four-day game starting on Friday.

"While it is unfortunate that Nathan Hauritz has been omitted after limited opportunities, it is unlikely that we would play a specialist spinner in Perth," Hilditch said. "Therefore it has been decided he will return to New South Wales where he will be available for selection for the Sheffield Shield match in Newcastle."

The return of Clarke is a major boost for a thin batting order which has been criticised throughout the series for its members regularly failing to capitalise on starts. Although the series is decided, several men will be aiming to justify their positions ahead of the five-match ODI contest against New Zealand, which begins at the WACA on Sunday.

Australia squad Shaun Marsh, David Warner, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, David Hussey, Cameron White, Brad Haddin (wk), James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, Shaun Tait.