Smith omitted from opening ODI

Melbourne - Australia batsman Steven Smith will be rested for the opening one-day international against South Africa in Perth, with all-rounder Shane Watson returning to the side after recovering from injury, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

Smith was named man-of-the-series when Australia swept Pakistan 3-0 in the United Arab Emirates, but will be grounded until at least Sunday's second match at the WACA.

Watson, fit for an ODI for the first time since he faced England in Adelaide in January, will bat at number three behind openers David Warner and Aaron Finch.

Paceman Josh Hazlewood returns for his first ODI in over a year, joining Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Coulter-Nile in a pace attack for Friday's opening game of the five-match series on the WACA's quick and bouncy wicket.

Matthew Wade will replace injured wicketkeeper Brad Haddin in Michael Clarke's side who will battle South Africa for a chance to dislodge India at the top of the world rankings.

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith (12th man)