Test star Lyon has not played a limited overs international since March 2012 but has been working with Sri Lankan spin great Muttiah Muralitharan and was preferred to Xavier Doherty.
"Nathan Lyon has done very well in Test match cricket, but first came under notice through his performances in short form cricket," said national selector Rod Marsh.
"He bowled well in last year's (One Day) Cup competition and having not played an ODI since early 2012, the National Selection Panel is keen to see him in action again."
It also signals the start of a busy summer for the national team led by Michael Clarke, which includes a possible 18 ODIs between now and the start of the Cricket World Cup in February 2015.
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"This tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa is another important step in our preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup early next year," said Marsh.
"We have introduced a number of players into this squad who provide plenty of options with bat and ball."
All-rounder Marsh was also included in the 14-man squad, but there was no room for Phil Hughes, despite thrashing a double century for Australia A against South Africa A recently.