Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel have announced the 14-man Australia squad for the VB Pakistan Series.

"The series contains five ODIs and one Twenty20 International and will be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from 22 April - 7 May," read a CA press release.

Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson are back in the squad. Brett Lee though would feature in the playing eleven only if he is 100% match fit.

"Brett Lee has been included in the squad subject to fitness. His return to bowling at full pace will be monitored carefully and will be reviewed closer to the date of the commencement of the tour," read the release.

"Andrew Symonds has been cleared by Cricket Australia to resume playing for the Australian cricket team and he has been included in the squad. At his best Andrew is a dynamic one-day player with an outstanding record for Australia. It will now be up to him to seize this opportunity.

"Shane Watson has been picked in the squad as a batter. Depending on his progress, he may be in a position to bowl towards the end of the series.. Shane is seen as an important player moving forward in one-day cricket for Australia.

Commenting on the selection of the squad, NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said, "The NSP has today announced the touring party for the VB Pakistan Series."

Punter rested for the series

"The NSP fully supports the recommendation of the coaching and medical staff that Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson not participate in the series so that their workload can be managed appropriately in preparation for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 and Ashes.

"The workload of all three players has been immense since September when Australia's VB Tour of India commenced.

"Having Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey in prime form mentally and physically for the Ashes is critical and the series against Pakistan is the only opportunity to give them an appropriate break prior to the start of a very important period.

Hilditch said that since Mitchell Johnson is a key bowler for them in all three formats it was very important for them to give him a break because of the hectic schedule ahead.

"Mitchell Johnson is now a key bowler in all three forms of the game for Australia and we've also taken this opportunity to provide him with a break before he commences preparation for the World Twenty20 and Ashes.

"Peter Siddle is also not part of the touring squad. An extensive program has been mapped out for Peter in preparation for potential selection in the World Twenty20 and the Ashes. He is seen as a potentially key member of our squad for our defence of the Ashes.