Cricket Australia have ushered in a new era by naming Victorian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade rather than 35-year-old Brad Haddin for the first Test against South Africa starting in Brisbane on November 9.
Australia's 12-man squad includes a top-six batting lineup as expected, with the modestly-performed Ed Cowan to open with David Warner, Shane Watson at No.3, the 165-Test veteran Ricky Ponting at No.4 followed by skipper Michael Clarke and Ponting's fellow 37-year-old Mike Hussey.
The 43-Test veteran Haddin's last appearance in the baggy green was in Adelaide against India in January 2012 before missing the West Indies tour in April for family reasons.
Wade, 24, made his debut in Barbados on April 7 and posted a century in the third Test in Dominica. The Hobart-born Wade's 106 was the only century by an Australia player in the series.
While Australia desperately need their tail to wag led by Wade at No.7, they will have gained some confidence about Ponting's ability to perform against the Proteas following his stunning form with Tasmania at Sheffield Shield level.