Ricky Ponting has declared pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson a certain starter ahead of Friday's Commonwealth Bank Series clash against South Africa at the SCG.
Johnson, who has been rested by selectors following the Sydney Test earlier this month, replaces Tasmanian Ben Hilfenhaus in Australia's 12-man squad.
With the left armer certain to play, Shaun Tait, Nathan Bracken, Nathan Hauritz and James Hopes are left fighting for a spot in the final XI to be announced on game day.
"Mitchell will obviously come straight back into the side after a couple of weeks off," Ponting confirmed.
"He was jumping out of his skin today to get back into the nets and bowl and bat again so that's a good sign for us."
"Hauritz is in the 12, Hilfenhaus is the one that's missed out, he's 13th man for the game but we haven't announced an XI yet. We're just going to wait and see how this weather is tomorrow before we actually finalise an XI."
Ponting agreed Johnson's return is a major boost to the cause, with the five-match series currently tied at one apiece.
"He's had a great 12 months for us, no doubt about that - in Test cricket and in one-day cricket - and right now with the way things are with injuries to certain players he's our No.1 strike bowler," he said.
"So to have him coming back into the side at this stage of the tournament is obviously terrific for us."
South Africa coach Mickey Arthur, who revealed he is likely to take an unchanged XI into the clash, conceded Johnson is a vital part of the Australian attack but said his inclusion would not alter his side's mindset heading in to the match.
"We know Mitchell's a quality bowler, he's obviously gone back and refreshed a little bit and I'm pretty sure if selected he'll be ready for the challenge tomorrow ... but it certainly doesn't change the way we'll go about preparing or the way we'll prepare for their attack," Arthur said
Meanwhile, Ponting conceded he will look to alter his tactics in the middle overs of the Proteas' innings after allowing the tourists' middle order to score freely in the opening two encounters.
"We had a good chat about it today, the way their middle order players in particular have played the last couple of games," Ponting revealed.
"We've addressed some areas that we think are going to make it more difficult to play the way they've played in the last couple of games so it's about execution now."
He added: "We've done a pretty good job with the new ball in both games, it's just been that middle period where they've been able to get their five and six an over without taking many risks is what we've got to tighten up on."
"And we've got some ideas and plans about that so hopefully you'll see those tomorrow, and we'll be able to strangle them a bit more if you like through those middle overs of the game."