Ben Hilfenhaus was selected as Brett Lee's replacement in the Australian one-day side yesterday as coach Mickey Arthur confirmed injured vice-captain Shane Watson was a possibility to return later in the tri-series.
The 28-year-old Hilfenhaus has not played an ODI since November 2009. He is unlikely to face Sri Lanka on Friday in Perth, but could be given a chance to maintain his hold on India's batsmen in Adelaide on Sunday.
The fast-medium bowler was the leading wicket-taker for the four-Test series against India, snaring 27 scalps at an average of 17.22 last month.
''The bowling attack for Perth is likely to be the same as the one that did so well in Melbourne and Ben will be in Perth to provide cover,'' chairman of selectors John Inverarity said.
Australia bowled out India for 151 on Sunday night at the MCG for an easy 65-run win.
Meanwhile, Arthur is hopeful Watson will be fit to play in Sydney grade cricket this weekend in order for a possible recall to the ODI squad later in the series.
''It's a work in progress at the moment,''Arthur said. ''When we're comfortable that he's fit and ready to go we'll have a look at it. We've made so many predictions we're just taking it one day at a time. We're hoping he plays grade cricket this weekend and bats and bowls but we've said that for a long time now, we're hoping that comes into fruition.''
Officials at Watson's grade club, Sutherland, are hopeful the all-rounder will at least be able to play as a batsman.
''It'd be nice if he could bowl a few overs but it depends on how his leg pulls up,'' Sutherland's chairman of selectors Evan Atkins said.
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