Smith was named man-of-the-series when Australia swept Pakistan 3-0 in the United Arab Emirates. (Source: File)

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)

Former coach Kirsten returns as mentor

Former South Africa coach Gary Kirsten has been recalled to help the Proteas prepare for next year’s World Cup and will act as a batting coach and mentor in the upcoming one-day series in Australia.

The 46-year-old guided India to their World Cup triumph on home soil in 2011 and took South Africa to the top of the world test rankings in two years as coach before stepping down in August 2013.

He was replaced by his number two Russell Domingo, who he will now in turn assist in the first four matches of the ODI series starting in Perth on Friday, Cricket South Africa said.

Kirsten is one of the best regarded coaches in world cricket and has been linked with the England coaching job as well as a return to his former role with India this year.

South Africa crashed out in the quarter-finals against New Zealand at the last World Cup but are among the early favourites for the next version, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand from Feb. 14-March 29 next year.