South Africa axe experienced Kirsten

South Africa have dropped stalwart opening batsman Gary Kirsten for the rest of the current one-day series against Australia.

Kirsten, a veteran of 174 limited-overs internationals stretching back to 1993-94, was axed after Australia beat South Africa by 37 runs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Out-of-form Kirsten scored 192 runs at an average of 32 in the test series against Australia, and in three one-day innings against the world champions he has scored only 26 runs at 8.7.

The result earned Australia, who won the test series 2-1, an unassailable 3-0 lead with three matches to play.

All-rounder Andrew Hall was also omitted from the squad of 14 announced after the match for the remaining three games.

Uncapped all-rounder Jon Kent was included in the squad, while fast bowler Mornantau Hayward returned after an ankle injury.

"Gary is not out of the equation for the (2003) World Cup, but we're taking this opportunity to try out new permutations," selector Graeme Pollock told reporters. "We feel that we have the nucleus of our World Cup squad in this squad."

Pollock was pleased to welcome fast bowler Hayward back into the fold.

"The main difference between the sides is that we don't have real pace - we have military medium pace."

Pollock was then asked how South Africa should go about breaking the psychological hold Australia seem to have over them.

"The sooner they get the hell out of here, the better," he said.

Squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Mornantau Hayward, Jacques Kallis, Jon Kent, Lance Klusener, Neil McKenzie, Makhaya Ntini, Jonty Rhodes, Graeme Smith, Roger Telemachus.

Mail Cricket Editor