National chairman of selectors John Inverarity said opener David Warner had been considered to take over the captaincy in Clarke's absence but Ponting's experience won him the role.
"David Warner is a young player making his way,'' Inverarity said in a statement.
"He displays considerable leadership potential, but the NSP (national selection panel) is of the view that he should not, at this moment, have the added responsibility of captaincy thrust on him.
"David has been gaining valuable experience under Michael Clarke's captaincy and now he will have the opportunity to grow his leadership skills further as vice-captain to Ricky Ponting.''
Inverarity said Harris, who has battled injuries for the past two years, needed a break as he was carrying "some minor niggles'' and that Lee would play on Friday if he can prove he's fully recovered from the broken toe he suffered in the final Twenty20 international against India earlier this month.
"Brett is making a good recovery from his toe injury and will be given rigorous fitness tests before Friday's ODI fixture,'' Inverarity said.
Allrounder Shane Watson was not selected despite making a return from his calf injury in Sydney grade cricket last weekend, with selectors hoping he'll play in NSW's Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia later this week.
Australia squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Ricky Ponting, David Warner, Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade.
- AAP
