Ponting to captain Oz in absence of injured Clarke in Sydney ODI

Melbourne, Feb 14(ANI): Ricky Ponting will captain Australia in the absence of Michael Clarke in the Sydney One Day International against Sri Lanka.

The move comes after scans revealed Clarke suffered a "low grade" right hamstring strain, while fielding in the Adelaide ODI.

Clarke's injury also led to the postponement of the scheduled announcement of the squad for upcoming games because Clarke was undergoing scans, news.com.au reports.

Clarke, however, has been named in a 14-member squad as he is expected to feature in the February 19 match against India at the Gabba.

Australian Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been axed from the squad and is replaced by Matthew Wade.

Veteran paceman Brett Lee has been included but Test seamer Ben Hilfenhaus and Ryan Harris have been dropped in line with the selectors' rotation policy.

Australia squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Ricky Ponting (capt for Friday's match Sri Lanka), David Warner, Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade. (ANI)