Clarke to take short break

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Australia have rested a number of players, including captain Michael Clarke, for the first two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka.

Twenty20 skipper George Bailey will lead the team in Melbourne and Adelaide, with Clarke having been given the opportunity to recover from a hamstring problem that threatened his participation in the Test series with Sri Lanka.

Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and opener David Warner have also been rested, with Brad Haddin taking the place of the former, while Shane Watson and James Pattinson were not considered due to injury.

National selector John Inverarity, right, explained Australia's decision to rest captain Michael Clarke, left. "Michael has been battling a hamstring injury for a few weeks and will have a break," he said

“Michael has been battling a hamstring injury for a few weeks and will have a break, as will Matthew Wade and David Warner,” explained national selector John Inverarity.

“These three players have played in all six Vodafone Test matches this summer and the intention is to have them returning to the ODI squad refreshed.”

Mike Hussey, who recently announced his retirement from Tests, has missed out on selection, meaning his international career is now over.

There are call-ups, however, for Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Aaron Finch and Ben Cutting, who are all uncapped at ODI level.

Former Australia batsman Dean Jones will be added to the coaching staff as batting coach, with Stuart Law having turned down the opportunity to accept the role on a full-time basis.

Australia squad for first two ODIs with Sri Lanka: George Bailey (captain), Ben Cutting, Xavier Doherty, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Phillip Hughes, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.