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Title fight South Africa aiming to topple No. 1 AustraliaPosted: Thursday December 13, 2001 5:33 AM
ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) -- South Africa goes into the first test with Australia shrugging off a politically sensitive team selection and with its hopes high of toppling the world leader in test cricket. Shaun Pollock will lead an upbeat and confident side in the six-test home-and- away series opener beginning Friday at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, trying to become the first side to beat Australia in a home series in eight seasons. The teams, which will also play Australian tests in Melbourne and Sydney, will follow it up with a three-test series in South Africa in March. A series win or a draw in Australia will make the Proteas the new No. 1 team. Pollock believes there is no greater challenge since the republic's return to international cricket in 1991. South Africa faced international sanctions for over two decades due to its apartheid policies. "If we win the series, we'll be classed as world champions," Pollock said. "It's a real motivating fact for sure, a real feather in the cap if you can walk away with it." South Africa has failed to beat Australia in the last four series, losing the last two home and away. "There is no doubt to play well against Australia you have to be mentally strong," Pollock said. "They will put you under pressure as much as anyone in world cricket." The five tour selectors will decide Thursday night whether to choose between the aging fast bowler Allan Donald and the nation's only black African representative Makhaya Ntini for the final place in Friday's 11. While a fitness cloud hangs over Donald, Ntini has been dogged by indifferent form but his selection weighs towards political correctness. Ntini and opening batsman Herschelle Gibbs are the two representatives from the disadvantaged communities in a white-dominated South Africa cricket team. A United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) selection policy dictates the team should include a player or players of color and Gibbs' inclusion fulfills it. "We have had the political dilemma in the past and it's nothing new to us," Pollock said Thursday. "It's all about getting the balance right. Everyone knows the situation and it has been addressed by our board. We know what to abide by." Donald, the country's leading wicket-taker with 325 test wickets in 69 appearances, hasn't played a test since April last year and has been battling against time to be fit in time for the series opener. Like the tourists, the home side has a selection question -- whether to pick legspinner Stuart MacGill for a two-pronged spin attack or stick with Shane Warne and three pacemen -- Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee. Australia has picked two spinners in seven of its last nine tests at the Adelaide Oval. But skipper Steve Waugh said a decision will be made after a final look at what appears to be a traditional Adelaide pitch -- turning on the fourth and fifth days while producing uneven bounce. The Waugh twins will be making their 100th test appearance together during the Adelaide match. AUSTRALIA (from): Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh (captain), Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill. SOUTH AFRICA (from): Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Lance Klusener, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock (captain), Claude Henderson, Nantie Hayward, Allan Donald or Makhaya Ntini. Umpires: Srini Venkataraghavan, India, and Simon Taufel, Australia. Television umpire: Steve Davis, Australia. Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle, Sri Lanka.
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