Brad Haddin will be given the chance to lead Australia for the first time when they play New Zealand in a one-off T20 at the SCG.

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has firmly established himself as Australia's number one choice behind the stumps in recent times and his status will be further enhanced when he captains his country on his home ground.

Haddin's promotion comes following a Chappell-Hadlee series during which he impressed with the bat but also courted controversy.

The New South Welshman thrived following his mid-series elevation to the top of the order, scoring his maiden ODI century in the third game, but also came under fire after game one when he appeared to flick off the bails when Neil Broom was incorrectly given out bowled.

In steps up Brad

Regardless of that Haddin has the backing of regular skipper Ricky Ponting to fill his shoes, with the Tasmanian to rest up before the team flies out for their tour of South Africa on Monday.

"He brings a lot of experience and he has a lot of leadership qualities," Ponting said. "He thinks about the game."

Australia will also be without vice-captain Michael Clarke, who will sit out on the advice of team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris after he suffered back pain in Tuesday's game in Adelaide, as well as Mike Hussey (rested) and Mitchell Johnson (ankle).

"It's unfortunate that Michael Clarke has been forced to miss the game due to injury," Australia national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

Let's play safe

"Given the side leaves for South Africa the morning after the game in Sydney, there was really no alternative but to take a conservative approach to management of this minor injury.

"Mitchell has not been replaced in the squad as we consider a squad of 12 for the game is adequate given the bowling strength available within the group."

The withdrawals of Clarke and Johnson have left Australia with a 12-man squad, meaning young Victoria batsman Rob Quiney is in line for his international debut.

The 26-year-old hit 91 off 56 balls in the final of Australia's Twenty20 competition last month and admitted to nerves ahead of joining the team.

He said: "I feel like I'm hitting the ball well at the moment. But I'm nervous now already just thinking about it."

The Kiwi changes

New Zealand have made four changes to their side with all-rounders James Franklin and Nathan McCullum joining Ian Butler and Peter McGlashan in the team.

Jeetan Patel, Peter Fulton, Gareth Hopkins, Craig Cumming, Trent Boult and Brendon Diamanti will all head back to New Zealand after the ODI series finished 2-2.

"James Franklin has been scoring very well in the State Twenty20 competition - and at a very good strike rate," chairman of selector Glenn Turner said.

"He comes in primarily as a batting allrounder. Ian Butler will play as a bowling all-rounder with his brisk medium pace, and an ability to hit big at the death.

"Nathan McCullum has also been in good form and is a valuable all-rounder. He is well suited to this form of the game with his off-spin and aggressive batting. Peter McGlashan is a good improviser with the bat in the middle order, and also gives us cover for Brendon McCullum as wicketkeeper."