Australia wait on duo

Ricky Ponting © Getty Images

Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting remain doubtful for Australia’s opening match of the triangular one-day series against India in Brisbane on Sunday.

Skipper Ponting is battling a back complaint while Hayden is struggling to shake off a niggling hamstring strain.

All-rounder Ashley Noffke and Western Australian Adam Voges have received last-minute call-ups to the squad as cover.

Fast bowler Stuart Clark will not play after he opted to travel to Sydney for “family reasons”.

Ponting, who missed Australia's nine-wicket Twenty20 win over India on Friday night, rates himself a "90-plus percent" chance of playing, which suggests Voges is more likely to replace Hayden in the top order.

"Voges is on standby if either Matty or I don't come up for the game. We'll have to wait until Sunday morning," Ponting said.

Ponting acknowledged both players drafted in late could add something to the side and may play extended roles in the triangular series, which also includes World Cup finalists Sri Lanka.

"Noffers (Noffke) has been around the set-up before and has had to work really hard to get himself back to where he is. His form this year has been unbelievable," Ponting said.

"Voges is the same. He's played a handful of games here and there - I guess because of the strength of our batting he hasn't been able to nail a spot - but his opportunities will come and he's a terrific young bloke with a good head on his shoulders."

Ponting conceded he was not certain of the make-up of the India side for the clash at the Gabba on a pitch tipped to give the fast bowlers plenty of encouragement.

"I'm a bit surprised not to see (Sourav) Ganguly in their line-up. I thought he looked pretty good in the one-day series in India," Ponting said. "But the younger players are very capable."