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Ponting to change batting order

Michael Crutcher

April 9, 2002

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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.

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Series/Tournaments: Australia tour of South Africa
Teams: Australia
Tour Results
South Africa v Australia at Cape Town - Apr 9
South Africa won by 65 runs
South Africa v Australia at Port Elizabeth - Apr 6
Australia won by 3 wkts (with 5 balls remaining)
South Africa v Australia at Durban - Apr 3
Australia won by 8 wkts (with 13 balls remaining)
South Africa v Australia at Bloemfontein - Mar 30
Australia won by 37 runs
More results »
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