McGrath's availability for the Test series is uncertain

The paceman will remain with his family while his wife Jane has treatment for cancer and his availability for the Tests in South Africa is uncertain.

Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson have been selected in place of Brett Dorey and James Hopes, who were part of the squad for the recent VB Series.

Australia will play a Twenty20 match, followed by a five-game one-day series.

McGrath's omission had been expected as he has not played since announcing at the beginning of the month that his wife had suffered a recurrence.

The 36-year-old stated at the time he had no intention of retiring from international cricket.

All-rounder Watson returns to the squad after surgery for a shoulder injury sustained during a Test against the West Indies in November.

And Johnson, once tipped by Dennis Lillee as a star of the future, has been given another chance to impress after playing in the Chappell-Hadlee Series in New Zealand in December.

Opening bat Phil Jaques has again missed out on selection despite hitting an Aussie record 94 on his debut, and so far only appearance, for the one-day team.

"We have picked what we consider a well-balanced squad," said chairman selectors Trevor Hohns.

"Shane Watson returns to the side following his shoulder injury, and we're keen for him to build on his impressive performances during the Johnnie Walker Super Series.

"Mitchell Johnson bowls with good pace and we�re keen to see what he has to offer at international level."

Squad: R Ponting (capt), A Gilchrist (wkt), N Bracken, M Clarke, S Clark, B Hogg, M Hussey, M Johnson, S Katich, B Lee, M Lewis, D Martyn, S Watson, A Symonds.