Cricket: Ponting hopes for Bollinger sparkle

Pace bowler Doug Bollinger has been named to make his test debut on his home ground when Australia plays South Africa in the third cricket test at the SCG today.

Allrounder Andrew McDonald will be the other player putting on the famous baggy green cap for the first time, while Tasmanian quick Ben Hilfenhaus will carry the drinks for the hosts again.

Captain Ricky Ponting said Bollinger and McDonald would come in for injured pair Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds.

"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."

Under-pressure opener Matthew Hayden has kept his place in the side.

Australia is trying to avoid its first series whitewash in more than a century after the Proteas secured the series with wins in Perth and Melbourne. South Africa yesterday named an unchanged team for the Sydney test.

- AAP