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Aussies set to stick with Hayden
Australia are expected to demote Michael Clarke back down the order for the finals of the tri-series, coach John Buchanan said on Thursday.
Australia are expected to back out-of-form opener Matthew Hayden and demote rising star Michael Clarke back down the order for the finals of the tri-series limited overs cricket competition, coach John Buchanan said on Thursday.
Buchanan said he expected Hayden to keep his position alongside Adam Gilchrist when selectors settle on their strongest 11 for the finals, which start on February 4, after rotating 15 players through the side during the series.
Clarke has been successful in the opening position when called on to fill in for either of his more established colleagues during the series, making 66, 97, 103 not out and 21 in four innings at an average of 95.67 and scoring at nearly a run a ball.
Hayden on the other hand has been unconvincing throughout the Australian season and has scored six, 27 and three so far in the series.
But Buchanan said he expected Hayden and Gilchrist to be in place for the finals.
