Filed under AUSvSA SCG 2009

By winning first ODI at Melborune, South Africa maintained their 6 games 6 wins record versus Australia at MCG.

Now if Melbourne has been lucky for South Africans, Sydney is anything but, ever since Proteas made comeback into International cricket in 1992. After their first ever ODI at Sydney cricket ground, which they won against Australia, South Africa have lost all 4 games at the venue in last decade to host team.

Overall, at Sydney (9) : Australia = 7 & South Africa = 2.

10th oneday international starts tomorrow, and it promises to be a fascinating Friday since both team are locked 1-1 with 3 games to go. This will be 8th game for visitors against Ricky Ponting's men on the tour, which means both teams have evaluated each-others strong & soft aspects by now.

Herschelle Gibbs has looked good in his 4 innings only to get out without any major contribution. That said, Gibbs has been fielding like never before. his opening partner, Hashim Amla, had fruitful test series but limited overs cricket has brought similar success for him. It'll be interesting whether Proteas change their opening pair for this Sydney one day international or not.

Mitchell Johnson has been drafted into Aussie outfit to aid struggling bowling lineup, and this move will also strengthen home team's batting, a bit.

Sydney pitch has traditionally been best for spinners among all Australian venues, so Aussie think tank might opt for Nathan Hautitz over James Hopes - the all rounder. But, how many times have a winning combination changed?

Will we see : Wayne Parnell again? this teenage under-19 world cup captain cum all rounder made his T20 Debut week ago and looked mighty fine.. maintained fine line-length at good pace. Research also tells Warne Parnell is also a handy batsman and Proteas might throw his ODI cap tomorrow.

Australia Squad (total = 13) : Ricky Ponting (captain), Brad Haddin (Wicket keeper), Nathan Hauritz, Nathan Bracken, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Shaun Tait, David Warner and Cameron White.

South Africa Squad (total = 14) : Johan Botha (captain), Mark Boucher (vicecaptain/wicket keeper), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, JP Duminy, Neil McKenzie, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, Wayne Parnell, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Vaughn Van Jaarsveld.

Match Start Time : 2.15pm Sydney, Melbourne & Canberra, 1.15pm Brisbane, 1.45pm Adelaide & 12.15pm Perth in Australia, 8.45am India, 11.15 China, 4.15am Germany, 12.15 Japan, 11.15am Malaysia, Singapore, 4.15pm New Zealand, 8.15am Pakistan, 5.15am South Africa, 4.15am Switzerland (Europe), 3.15am UK, 7.15am Abu Dhabi & Dubai in Middle East.
Day Before = 10.15pm Canada, 7.15pm Los Angeles, Washington (Seattle), 10.15pm Miami (Florida), 10.15am in Atlanta (Georgia), Massachusetts (Boston) and New York with 9.15pm start according to Texas time in United States of America viewers.

Preview : Australia's unbeaten decade vs South Africa at Sydney

Scorecard : Australia vs South Africa, 3rd ODI, Sydney : 23 January 2009

3rd ODI : Australia fail to defend healthy total, again.