Ponting to change batting order

Michael Crutcher

April 9, 2002

Captain Ricky Ponting will change his batting order for Tuesday's final match as Australia tries to remain unbeaten in the one-day cricket series against South Africa.

Ponting hinted that the likes of Michael Bevan, Ian Harvey and Shane Watson would receive an opportunity after limited batting time during the first six games.

Bevan missed three matches with injury while Harvey and Watson rotated the all-rounder's role before both playing in Saturday's emphatic three-wicket victory in Port Elizabeth.

Australian selectors will also play Queensland batsman Jimmy Maher in a match that won't affect the series result with the tourists having built a 5-0 lead.

"There are a few guys that haven't played much on tour and hopefully they'll get a bit of a chance to do a bit more in this game," Ponting said.

The Tasmanian insisted his players are ready for the match, even though the Australians are tired after a long summer which included nine Tests.

Most of the players head home for two months' rest on Wednesday and coach John Buchanan ensured his team would not be overdone by making training optional today.

"We should be right. We've got a lot of pride in our team performances and our own personal performances to make sure we get up for the last game," Ponting said.

"Everything we've done since we've been here is good and we don't want to spoil it by playing a poor game to finish with."

Ponting wants a better performance by his bowlers tomorrow - something South African captain Shane Pollock also seeks after a miserable summer for the home team.

The Proteas will again be without all-rounder Lance Klusener, who has returned to Durban for treatment on his injured hamstring.

© 2002 AAP

	Email

Watch our daily Cricinfo SportsCenter news round-ups Available on Cricinfo.tv     NEW FANTASY: India v Australia Test series - prizes to be won Enter now - series starts October 9     Live scores, news & ball-by-ball commentary on your phone Cricinfo Mobile

Series/Tournaments

Australia tour of South Africa

Teams

Australia