Aussies prepare for South African clash - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Aussies prepare for South African clash

By Greg Buckle 21/03/2007 05:46:57 AM Comments (0)

Australia will return to the training track on Wednesday for a net session in St Kitts in preparation for Saturday's World Cup Group A blockbuster against South Africa at the tiny Warner Park ground.

The Australians were given Monday off following their 229-run win over the Netherlands on Sunday.

All-rounder Andrew Symonds, who had bicep surgery last month, will bowl his off-spinners at 100 per cent on Wednesday in a bid to train at full pace and prove his fitness for the crucial clash between Ricky Ponting's world champions and Graeme Smith's world No.1-ranked side.

Australian spinner Brad Hogg, who took 4-27 against the Netherlands, says the side must deal with "selection issues".

No.5 batsman Brad Hodge, a century-maker against the Netherlands, faces an uncertain future if Symonds returns.

"It's going to be very interesting whether Andrew Symonds comes back for the South African game or whether they rest him for another week or so," Hogg said.

"Hopefully I'm one of those who don't miss out."

The South Africans have been saddened by the passing of their former coach Bob Woolmer, who was found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica on Sunday after coaching Pakistan to a shock early exit from the World Cup following their upset loss to Ireland on Saturday.

"So it was something that we needed to discuss. This morning in the change rooms we discussed it," South African coach Mickey Arthur said.

"We needed to know how our players were at that time, if there were any guys that we needed to talk to, if they needed to get something off their chests.

"We decided to send messages through to Bob's family and we've put it behind us now."

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