January 02, 2009

PACE bowler Doug Bollinger has been named to make his Test debut on his home ground when Australia plays South Africa in the third Test at the SCG starting on Saturday.

All-rounder Andrew McDonald will be the other player putting on the famous baggy green cap for the first time while Tasmania quick Ben Hilfenhaus will carry the drinks for the hosts again.

Captain Ricky Ponting said Bollinger and McDonald will come in for injured pair Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds and the decision between Bollinger and Hilfenhaus came down largely to the game's location.

“That's probably a lot to do with his overall skills at the SCG,” said Ponting.

“He knows the conditions very well and will hopefully swing the new ball and late in the innings as well.”

Australia is trying to avoid its first series whitewash in over a century after the Proteas secured the series win with victories in Perth and Melbourne.

Australia
Ricky Ponting (captain), Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Andrew McDonald, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle 12th Man: Ben Hilfenhaus.