Australian cricket selectors have named a predictable 12-man squad for the opening two matches of the triangular one-day series against England and Sri Lanka.

Ricky Ponting will captain a team which features only two omissions from the 14-man squad which played at the ICC Champions Trophy in September, leaving out Queenslanders Jimmy Maher and Nathan Hauritz.

Tasmanian Shane Watson held on to the allrounder's role despite a mixed domestic season.

The settled squad is a sign that selectors are happy with the progress of the Australian team leading into February's World Cup in Africa.

"We have only picked 12 players in the VB Series squad because there is a week-long gap between our second and third matches and that gap gives us the opportunity to re-assess our options as the series moves forward," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said.

The triangular series begins with matches between Australia and England at the SCG on December 13 and the MCG two days later.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Bevan, Andrew Bichel, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee, Darren Lehmann, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Shane Watson.

Australia A: Justin Langer (captain), Jimmy Maher, Greg Blewett, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Ryan Campbell, Nathan Hauritz, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Ashley Noffke, Andrew Symonds, Brad Williams.

Australia A will play matches against England on December 8 in Sydney and Sri Lanka on December 14 in Brisbane.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.