Michael Clarke will captain the side in the absence of Ricky Ponting.

Pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson and batsman Michael Hussey have also been rested.

"The workload of all three players has been immense since September,'' chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

"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.

"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."

Lee is returning from ankle and foot surgery while Symonds is back in the fold following a tumultuous summer that included knee surgery and a prolonged form slump.

Australia's five-match one-day series against Pakistan starts on April 22 in Dubai with a one-off Twenty clash to be played on May 7.

TEAM

Michael Clarke (c) NSW 28

Brad Haddin (vc) NSW 31

Nathan Bracken NSW 31

Callum Ferguson SA 24

Brett Geeves TAS 26

Nathan Hauritz NSW 27

Ben Hilfenhaus TAS 26

James Hopes QLD 30

David Hussey VIC 31

Ben Laughlin QLD 26

Brett Lee NSW 32

Shaun Marsh WA 25

Andrew Symonds QLD 33

Shane Watson QLD 27