Aussies set to stick with Hayden

2005-01-27 12:15

Adelaide - Australia are expected to back out-of-form opener Matthew Hayden and demote rising star Michael Clarke back down the order for the finals of the tri-series limited overs cricket competition, coach John Buchanan said on Thursday.

Buchanan said he expected Hayden to keep his position alongside Adam Gilchrist when selectors settle on their strongest 11 for the finals, which start on February 4, after rotating 15 players through the side during the series.

Clarke has been successful in the opening position when called on to fill in for either of his more established colleagues during the series, making 66, 97, 103 not out and 21 in four innings at an average of 95.67 and scoring at nearly a run a ball.

Hayden on the other hand has been unconvincing throughout the Australian season and has scored six, 27 and three so far in the series.

But Buchanan said he expected Hayden and Gilchrist to be in place for the finals.

"Obviously Clarke's got some performances on the board, but right at this stage I think the selectors have shown great faith and confidence in the players that have formed our one-day unit for a long period of time and I'd expect that to continue," Buchanan said.

He said Hayden was currently "not quite in sync" mentally and was making poor shot choices, but had the ability and character to rediscover his best form soon.

"I feel very confident not only in the person, but history shows his performances and experience will find a way to start getting those results, or what people call form, earlier rather than later," Buchanan said.

Fringe batsman Simon Katich is also likely to miss out on selection despite following up his 38 against Pakistan in Hobart last week with a stylish 76 against the West Indies in Adelaide on Wednesday.

But Katich said he accepted he losing his spot when regulars Gilchrist and Damien Martyn returned against Pakistan in Perth on Sunday for Australia's last match before the finals series.

"I understand my role at the moment, I get a chance if the other guys get a break," Katich said on Thursday.

"From my point of view, I'm happy to get an opportunity to get some experience out there so I'm grateful for that."

Pakistan face the West Indies in a crucial match at the Adelaide Oval on Friday and are favourites to join Australia in the best-of-three finals series.

- AFP