Australia's selectors have responded to their crisis by leaving out Michael Bevan, recalling Matthew Hayden and apparently sticking to their much-derided policy of rotation for the crunch game against South Africa at Brisbane tomorrow. There is also an element of horses-for-courses as Hayden is joined by his fellow Queenslanders Andrew Bichel and Andrew Symonds. In the light of Australia's disastrous start to the VB one-day series, selectors Trevor Hohns and Allan Border had both stated their support for fielding Australia's strongest XI. But Steve Waugh and the coach John Buchanan spoke up for rotation and the dropping of middle-order maestro Bevan indicates that Waugh has won the argument for the moment.

Bevan averages 56.56 in one-day internationals and top-scored with 66 in Australia's 23-run defeat to New Zealand at Sydney on Thursday. He is not reported to be suffering from any injury. His place goes to the prolific Hayden, who will presumably open the innings with Mark Waugh or Adam Gilchrist (back from compassionate leave) dropping down the order.

The other players omitted are fast bowler Brett Lee and allrounder Ian Harvey. Lee is replaced by Bichel, who has an impressive record on his home ground, and Harvey by Symonds, his rival for the allrounder's berth at next year's World Cup.

The apparent U-turn by the selectors suggests a determination to be seen to support their captain, and to avoid accusations of Australian disarray. As late as yesterday, Border was saying: "We'll pick our best side to beat the South Africans and win the game" before he was apparently persuaded otherwise.

Steve Waugh has responded in typically bullish fashion to media criticism of both his team and his personal form. "I have found the last week to be very negative all round," he said. "If you pick up the papers you would think you're not good enough to play cricket at all."

He added: "If they (the selectors) pick me, then I'll just do my best."

The Australians have made their worst-ever start to the annual triangular tournament and are in danger of failing to qualify for the finals for only the third time in 21 years.

Team
1 Mark Waugh, 2 Matthew Hayden, 3 Ricky Ponting, 4 Steve Waugh (capt), 5 Damien Martyn, 6 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 7 Andrew Symonds, 8 Shane Warne, 9 Andrew Bichel, 10 Jason Gillespie, 11 Glenn McGrath.

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