Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 654 Fri. March 31, 2006  
   
Sports


Aussies go for whitewash


Australia will aim to maintain their supremacy over South Africa when they play a "dead rubber" third Test starting at the Wanderers Stadium Friday.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said there would be no let-up from the world champions despite the series having already been won after the first two Tests.

Asked whether the series win might open the door for other members of the touring squad to play in the final match, Ponting said: "I wouldn't think so.

"The guys who are in the side at the moment are playing well and deserve their selection for the next Test as well. Everyone's put their hand up and done the job."

South Africa, though, might make some changes. Batsman Hashim Amla and fast bowler Dale Steyn were added to the squad after Australia won the second Test by 112 runs in Durban Tuesday and the hosts will pick from 16 players.

Captain Graeme Smith said some of his team were feeling the effects of a gruelling programme, with the current series following a 10-week tour of Australia.

South Africa still have a three-Test series against New Zealand to play, with three matches in successive weeks starting on April 15.

"The selectors have decided to have a few extra options," said Smith. "I wasn't a part of the decision. We'll go to the Wanderers and make a decision on what is best for this Test match and for the New Zealand series."

Smith admitted it would not be easy for his team to bounce back from losses in the first two Tests. "We've been outplayed in the Test form of the game.

SQUADS
SOUTH AFRICA(from):
Graeme Smith (captain), AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Boeta Dippenaar, Hashim Amla, Andrew Hall, Garnett Kruger, Dale Steyn.

AUSTRALIA(from): Ricky Ponting (captain), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Michael Kasprowicz, Stuart Clark.