Ponting, Hussey, Johnson rested against Pakistan

Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson will bypass the one-day and Twenty20 series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, with coaching and medical staff recommending that the trio be rested ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 and the Ashes series.

Michael Clarke will captain the side in Ponting's absence, with Brad Haddin the vice-captain in a youthful side which includes Brett Lee who will be looking to make his comeback from a left foot injury and Shane Watson, who returns after injury spoiled his Australian summer.

Lee's progress will be closely monitored while Watson will be unlikely to bowl during the tour.

Andrew Symonds also returns to the national side for the first time since the Boxing Day Test, where he injured his knee. The Queensland all-rounder has since not been under consideration for the Australian team pending evaluation of his mental well-being.

The selection of Lee and Shaun Marsh is subject to fitness, while Ben Hilfenhaus is back after sitting out the one-day and Twenty20 series against South Africa.

National Selection Panel chief Andrew Hilditch said that the NSP had acted on recommendation of medical staff in leaving out Johnson, Ponting and Hussey.

"The NSP fully supports the recommendation of the coaching and medical staff that Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson not participate in the series so that their workload can be managed appropriately in preparation for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 and Ashes," he said.

"Having Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey in prime form mentally and physically for the Ashes is critical and the series against Pakistan is the only opportunity to give them an appropriate break prior to the start of a very important period.

"Mitchell Johnson is now a key bowler in all three forms of the game for Australia and we've also taken this opportunity to provide him with a break before he commences preparation for the World Twenty20 and Ashes."

Victorian paceman Peter Siddle is the other notable absentee, having endured a massive workload since making his Test debut in Sydney in January.

"Peter Siddle is also not part of the touring squad," he said. An extensive program has been mapped out for Peter in preparation for potential selection in the World Twenty20 and the Ashes. He is seen as a potentially key member of our squad for our defence of the Ashes.

"The tour provides a great opportunity for Michael Clarke to captain the side in Ricky's absence," Hilditch added.

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