Batsman Justin Langer has been recalled to Australia's squad for next week's third Test against South Africa in Sydney after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Langer missed Australia's 184-run victory in the second Test that finished earlier on Friday, after straining his hamstring in the drawn first Test in Perth.

New South Wales opener Phil Jaques, who made his debut in Melbourne, scoring two and 28, has dropped out of the squad in the only change to side that beat South Africa on Friday.

"Justin is back in the squad subject to fitness," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

"It was a logical decision for us to have him back in the team, particularly given his record and seniority within the group.

"Phil Jaques is held in high regard and will be on standby should he be required," Hohns added of the scenario should Langer fail a fitness test closer to the start of the game.

Nathan Bracken [Images] is likely to be named 12th man again for the match given the spinning nature of the pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Australia expected to retain the twin leg-spinning option of Shane Warne [Images] and Stuart MacGill.

South Africa will definitely go into the match without pace bowler Makhaya Ntini [Images], who suffered a knee injury in Melbourne, and may include off-spinner Johan Botha in their side.

Botha was summoned to join the team from South Africa and give them a dual-spinning option with left-arm spinner Nicky Boje though captain Graeme Smith [Images] said they would have to see the pitch first.

"We need to look at the wicket," Smith said.

"We brought him out as an option.

"We need to decide which way to go. Whether to play Nicky or him, or both of them.

"It's always going to be up for discussion. The wicket will probably be quite dry.

"He's an unknown talent. He's young, he's exuberant, he's really excited about playing for his country and that's good."

The third Test begins on January 2.

Australia: Ricky Ponting [Images] (captain), Adam Gilchrist [Images], Nathan Bracken, Matthew Hayden [Images], Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Justin Langer, Brett Lee [Images], Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds [Images], Shane Warne (12th man to be named)