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28-Jan-2009 20:28:00 GMT
Southafrica in Australia, 2008/09

Australia v South Africa 5th ODI at Perth - Preview

Perth: With the series already in their pocket, South Africa has decided to field two uncapped players in place of pacers Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini in the fifth and final ODI against Australia in Perth.

South Africa, with an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, will play 19-year-old all-rounder Wayne Parnell and 24-year-old left-arm pacer Lonwabo Tsotsobe in the final ODI.

If Proteas win last ODI and they No. 1 one-day ranking ahead of Australia. The batsman Vaughn van Jaarsveld is also likely to play his first game since debuting in Melbourne, provided he proves his fitness as he is battling an ankle problem.

South Africa's bowling coach Vinnie Barnes said the decision to give two young players a chance to make their debut by resting two senior guys in Steyn and Ntini doesn't mean the Proteas are taking the game lightly.

If South Africa beat Australia in the last ODI in Perth, they would topple Ricky Ponting's men from the top spot of the ICC ODI rankings. Now South Africa just three points behind Australia.

"We've got them down 3-1 at the moment and we want to make sure that's 4-1. We want to give them absolutely nothing to bring to South Africa," he said.

Australia have decided not to meddle too much with their squad for Friday's dead rubber against South Africa in Perth, where the only changes are the return from injury of Michael Clarke and Nathan Bracken. The 13-man squad does not feature Ryan Harris or Nathan Hauritz, who have made way after one appearance each.

Clarke played the first game of the series but was then left out to give him a chance to recover from a thumb problem. Bracken had a minor calf injury and was unavailable only for Monday's game in Adelaide.

Highlights of the match


Australia South Africa
Coach Mickey Arthur Tim Nielsen
ICC Ranking 1 2
Key Players Ponting, Clarke, Braken, Johnson Gibbs, de Villiers, Albie Morkel, Duminy
Drawing Broad Australia have regained Michael Clarke, who was resting due to a thumb injury, and Nathan Bracken after his minor calf problem. Steyn and Ntini are being rested at the tail-end of a tiring tour on which they have helped bowl South Africa to success in the Test and ODI formats.
Weather Australia is suffering through a major heatwave with temperatures around 42oC, Perth has escaped the extreme weather and a top of 30 is forecast for Friday.
Pitch Once famous for its pace and bounce, the WACA has lost its spice for international matches in recent years.
Current Form WLWLL WWLWW(Recent last)
Head to head Total 71, Australia 37, South Africa 31, Tied 3

 


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