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South Africa in Australia, 3rd Test, PreviewAustralia v South Africa 3rd Test at Sydney, From January 03, 200902-Jan-2009 11:41:00 IST
Sydney: Australia have broken with tradition by picking two left-arm fast bowlers after Doug Bollinger was chosen to make his debut in the third Test against South Africa on Saturday.
Lehmann, president of the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA), believes Australia must ensure there is never a repetition of the Symonds debacle where the all-rounder was chosen with a knee injury that will require surgery.
Young Bollinger and McDonald will be debut, Krejza should have been picked for Sydney as he is an attacking option," Lehmann said. "Hauritz was serviceable in Melbourne but the problem is we still have to get 20 wickets.
Australia have received a new look with Andrew McDonald and Doug Bollinger all set to make their debuts. The toss-up for one fast-bowling spot was between Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus, and by picking the local man the selectors have ensured two left-arm fast bowlers in the XI.
Ashwell Prince's cracked thumb hasn't yet healed - he failed a fitness test - but South Africa have enough batsmen in form to make sure that Prince's absence isn't a worry. Graeme Smith will fight through the pain of a debilitating elbow injury for one more match in the hope he can take South Africa to a 3-0 victory over Australia - and be fit for the return series next month.
Matthew Hayden Fortunate to be picked, Hayden has impressed the selectors with his form in the nets, not in the middle. In his past eight Tests he has 313 runs at 22.35, and in this series has 47 in four innings. At 37 he has been given an opportunity to extend his journey to the Ashes, but with every innings without spark he gets closer to joining his friend Justin Langer in retirement.
South Africa can take the official No. 1 ranking by winning the game, even though they sit on top by every other measure after handing Australia their first series defeat at home in 16 years. Highlights of the match
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Australia |
South Africa |
| Coach |
Mickey Arthur |
Tim Nielsen |
| ICC Ranking |
1 |
3 |
| Key Players |
Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson |
Graeme Smith, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Paul Harris |
| Stats |
Australia have won 12 of the past 14 Tests at the SCG, with one loss to England in 2003 and a draw with India in 2004. Last match win against India in last over of the match, Clarke pickup three wickets in an over. |
If South Africa won the match, then they second team after Australia at no. one position in Test Ratings. Jacques Kallis is 53 runs from becoming the first South African to score 10,000 Test runs. |
| Weather |
The chance of a morning shower or two then fine with sunny periods developing in the afternoon. Light to moderate east to southeast tending northeasterly in the afternoon |
| Pitch |
The SCG pitch is generally helps for slow bowlers, in forth innings, offered help to for spinners. Paul Harris has out-bowled both Nathan Hauritz and Jason Krejza during the first two Tests and he will gain more assistance on a Sydney pitch. |
| Current Form |
LWWLL |
LWWWW |
| Head to head |
Total 82, Australia 46, South Africa 17, Drawn 19 |
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