Melbourne: Pacer Ben Hilfenhaus on Monday returned to Australia's ODI cricket team after more than two years, replacing an injured Brett Lee in the ongoing tri-series against India and Sri Lanka.

"Ben Hilfenhaus will replace the injured Brett Lee in Australia's one-day international squad for Friday's clash with Sri Lanka in Perth, although it seems unlikely the Tasmanian quick will even play," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Lee suffered a broken toe during last Friday's Twenty20 loss to India at the MCG, ruling him out for the rest of the summer.

Hilfenhaus took eight wickets in Perth during last month's Test win over India but it appears he will head to Perth to merely carry the drinks.

"Ben will replace the injured Brett Lee," said NSP chairman John Inverarity.

"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," he added.

Australia have made a good start to the series, winning the rain-truncated opening ODI against India here yesterday.