Sydney: Faced with the prospect of back-to-back ODI series defeats, Australia on Saturday recalled regular skipper Ricky Ponting for the crucial third ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand on Sunday.

Trailing 0-2 in the series, a desperate Ponting pleaded to be recalled after being rested for the first two matches as part of a long-term workload planning.

A defeat on Sunday would see Australia lose six matches in a row only for the second time in their ODI history. Aussies have already lost the top spot in ICC ODI rankings to South Africa after losing a five-match series against the Proteas last month and have now slumped to third behind India.

Daniel Vettori has been able to stall Australia's batting in the opening two games and will be even more valuable on a spinning surface at the SCG. Australia have been happy to see Daniel Vettori off as he has given up 57 runs in 20 overs over the past week.

New Zealand have no reason to change unless Brendon McCullum's hip injury, which he sustained in the first week of the tour, continues to nag, but they will be reluctant to lose one of their most senior men. Gareth Hopkins, the standby wicketkeeper, played in Auckland's Twenty20 win on Friday and will wait for a call.

Ricky Ponting is back after his two-match rest was halved and the captain will provide some spark to the troubled order. Australia will wait until shortly before the game to finalize their side, but David Warner's position is vulnerable following some subdued performances.

Australia are now one point behind India, four off leaders South Africa and only four clear of New Zealand. But they can regain second spot if they win back-to-back matches against New Zealand on Sunday, in Sydney, and Adelaide, on Tuesday. If they win all three remaining games they can draw level with South Africa.

Fact about match

• Australia will drop to fourth in the ODI rankings with two more losses in this series.
• New Zealand have outscored Australia in the batting Powerplay, taking 71 runs over the first two games to Australia's 56. Australia are slightly ahead during the bowling Powerplay with 28 to the tourists' 22.
• In 20 ODIs between the teams at the SCG, Australia have won 12 and New Zealand 6.

Pitch Report: Spin track. Sydney Cricket Ground is mostly help slow bowlers. Batting always easy at SCG.

Weather:Fine. Very hot in the west. Freshening north to northeast winds ahead of a late southerly change

Head to Head: Total 114, Aus 78, NZ 32, NR 4