Prolific batsman Phil Jaques was omitted on Wednesday from Australia's squad for the one-day tour of South Africa starting later this month.

Jaques has scored heavily for his state New South Wales and made 94 in his only one-day international but the selectors kept faith with Simon Katich and Damien Martyn who helped Australia win the recent tri-series against South Africa and Sri Lanka [Images].

All-rounder Shane Watson was recalled to the national squad for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury in November.

"We have picked what we consider a well balanced squad. There is a good blend of youth and experience in the team for what promises to be a challenging series," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

Seam bowler Mitchell Johnson was named in the 14-man squad which will play five on-day internationals and a Twenty20 match against the South Africans starting on February 24.

James Hopes and Brett Dorey were dropped.

Squad: Ricky Ponting [Images] (captain), Adam Gilchrist [Images] (vice-captain), Simon Katich, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds [Images], Michael Clarke [Images], Mike Hussey, Shane Watson, Brett Lee [Images], Brad Hogg [Images], Nathan Bracken [Images], Mick Lewis, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson.

The itinerary is as follows:

Fri 24 February	Twenty20 match, Johannesburg
Sun 26 February	1st ODI, Centurion
Fri 3 March	2nd ODI, Capetown
Sun 5 March	3rd ODI, Port Elizabeth
Fri 10 March	4th ODI, Durban
Sun 12 March	5th ODI, Johannesburg