Australia is assured of a spot in the triangular one-day series finals after stand-in captain Steve Smith produced a brilliant unbeaten century to haul in England's imposing score of 303 in Hobart on Friday.

The win was achieved without David Warner, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, who are strong chances of selection for Monday's clash with India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Warner is a certainty to return from a hamstring strain, while a decision on Watson will be made depending on how he pulls up after training. However, most interest will centre on the return of Johnson, who has not played since the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

"He'd be close," said Lehmann on arrival at Sydney airport.

"He's bowling and will be full training tomorrow, so hopefully available for selection."

Johnson did not play in the new year's Test due to hamstring soreness, but Lehmann quashed any thoughts of saving him as a shock weapon for Australia's World Cup opener against England on Valentine's Day.

"No resting in terms of that," Lehmann said. "It's a final so there's a trophy up for grabs and we've got to try and win that, so that's important for us as well."

Lehmann said he had already made up his mind about his best XI, opening the way for experimentation in the finals stages of the ODI series.

"We want to get everyone 100 per cent fit obviously for the final and then the World Cup, so that's what we're looking at," he said.

"There could be changes again so that's OK, and we could bat guys in different positions this game. It's a big game. Everyone wants to play Australia Day so we've got to make sure we're up for it again."

While Smith continued his superb batting form, it was Australia's ability to restrict England in the final 10 overs with the ball that ensured their run chase was manageable.

"Excellent, that's the best we've bowled at the back end of an innings for a long time," Lehmann said.

"The start was probably the worst we've bowled for a long time, to be honest. So that's the challenge for a young group, trying to get them consistent right through so pleased with the way they fought back."

On Friday, Smith became the first Australia to score a hundred in his debut innings as captain in both Tests and one-day internationals.

"It is impressive," Lehmann said. "It's something Don Bradman never did - but he never played a one-day game either. He probably would have made a double hundred. It's been pleasing for him [Smith]. He's had an exceptional summer and we need that to continue for years to come, not just the rest of the summer."

Dropped chances throughout the Test series against India spoilt any chance of a whitewash. But the catching has significantly improved with the return of American fielding guru Mike Young for the shortened version of the game.

"Probably being consistent with the ball more often and being ruthless with the bat," Lehmann said of the learnings from the ODIs.

"I think our fielding's been outstanding. We do that and pick up that extra 20 per cent with the batting and bowling we'll be OK."