Brad Haddin has been handed the honour of leading Australia for the first time when they take on New Zealand in a Twenty20 international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke are all rested for the clash, leaving the 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman as one of the most experienced players in the Australian ranks.

Haddin takes charge for a match on his home ground after a one-day series in which he impressed with the bat but also courted controversy.

The New South Welshman thrived following his mid-series elevation to the top of the order, scoring his maiden ODI century in the third game, but also came under fire after game one when he appeared to flick off the bails when Neil Broom was incorrectly given out bowled.

Regardless of that, Haddin has been backed by regular skipper Ricky Ponting, who expects the keeper to lead the side capably.

"He brings a lot of experience, he brings a lot of good leadership qualities, and he thinks about the game very well," Ponting said. "As a wicketkeeper you get a good view of the game and get a good feel for where the game's at.

"He's obviously in very good touch at the moment, he batted very well. I thought he played very well and led our batting from the front at the top of the innings.

"That was pleasing, and we know he's captained New South Wales in the past, I'm sure he'll do a good job for us."

Clarke has been left out of the squad on the advice of team physio Alex Kountouris after he suffered back pain in Tuesday's game in Adelaide, while Mitchell Johnson misses out due to an ankle problem.

"It's unfortunate that Michael Clarke has been forced to miss the game due to injury," Australia national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

"Given the side leaves for South Africa the morning after the game in Sydney, there was really no alternative but to take a conservative approach to management of this minor injury.

"Mitchell has not been replaced in the squad as we consider a squad of 12 for the game is adequate given the bowling strength available within the group."

The withdrawals of Clarke and Johnson have left Australia with a 12-man squad, meaning young Victoria batsman Rob Quiney is in line for his international debut.

The 26-year-old hit 91 off 56 balls in the final of Australia's Twenty20 competition last month and admitted to nerves ahead of joining the team.

He said: "I feel like I'm hitting the ball well at the moment. But I'm nervous now already just thinking about it."

New Zealand have made four changes to their side with all-rounders James Franklin and Nathan McCullum joining Ian Butler and Peter McGlashan in the team.

Jeetan Patel, Peter Fulton, Gareth Hopkins, Craig Cumming and Trent Boult will all head back to New Zealand after the ODI series finished 2-2, along with Kyle Mills after he withdrew with an Achilles injury.

Brendon Diamanti has kept his place in the squad after hitting 26 not out from 22 balls in Friday's aborted one-dayer.

"James Franklin has been scoring very well in the State Twenty20 competition - and at a very good strike rate," chairman of selectors Glenn Turner said.

"He comes in primarily as a batting allrounder. Ian Butler will play as a bowling all-rounder with his brisk medium pace, and an ability to hit big at the death.

"Nathan McCullum has also been in good form and is a valuable all-rounder. He is well suited to this form of the game with his off-spin and aggressive batting. Peter McGlashan is a good improviser with the bat in the middle order, and also gives us cover for Brendon McCullum as wicketkeeper."

Australia (from): Brad Haddin (capt), David Warner, David Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Moises Henriques, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Cameron White, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Rob Quiney.

New Zealand (from): Daniel Vettori (capt), Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Brendon Diamanti, Iain O'Brien, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.