West Australian wicketkeeper batsman Luke Ronchi has earned a call-up to the Australian Twenty20 cricket side, replacing Test 'keeper Brad Haddin.

Ronchi will play against South Africa in Sunday night's Twenty20 match at the MCG and Tuesday's clash in Brisbane so Haddin can rest after a heavy recent workload.

Ronchi, who last year played four one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match in the West Indies, was at Melbourne airport preparing to return home to Perth when asked to join the national squad.

"I'd literally driven out to the airport, had my bags about to go on the conveyor belt and jumped straight back in a taxi and drove all the way back," said Ronchi, who had played for Western Australia against Victoria at the MCG on Thursday night.

"It was good though, I don't mind at all."

Ronchi, 27, said he was focused on enjoying himself keeping to Australia's fast bowlers.

"I've just got to do my job and have fun and from there hopefully it all works out for itself," he said.

"More than anything just go out there and have some fun because I'm not here for long."

Australia are yet to announce a side for the opening clash, which is scheduled to start at 7.35pm (AEDT).

A crowd of up to 70,000 is expected.

Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Nathan Bracken, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Luke Ronchi, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Cameron White.

A special mention goes to AusItalian Sandgate-Redcliffe batsman Glen Batticciotto who was selected in the Queensland Bulls squad and took an amazing catch against New South Wales in the KFC Twenty20 competition and hit the winning runs against South Australia.

AAP