Tri-series: Australia captain Michael Clarke back for Zimbabwe clash

Australia captain Michael Clarke will return to action in Sunday's one-day international against Zimbabwe after recovering from injury.

Clarke, who suffered a hamstring strain during training last week, last comes back into the fold as one of three changes to the side that suffered a seven-wicket loss to South Africa in their previous tri-series encounter.

Nathan Lyon replaces the rested Mitchell Johnson, while paceman Ben Cutting gets his first opportunity of the tour in place of Kane Richardson.

In a batting reshuffle, Clarke will come in at No 3, pushing all-rounder Mitchell Marsh back to No 6 for a contest that could guarantee Australia a final date with the Proteas.

Clarke, who has endured intensive physiotherapy to regain match fitness after a four-month break, admitted the ousted Steve Smith would be disappointed to miss out. 

"He hasn't had much of an opportunity in this series batting at six and seven, but he was picked in the (tournament's) first squad as well so he'll obviously be very disappointed," the captain told reporters at Saturday's training session.

"But I got back in the team and someone had to go."

Phil Hughes retains his place opening the batting, while Smith's absence could see Glenn Maxwell utilised as an extra spin option.