South Africa v Australia 5th ODI at Johannesburg - Preview

Johannesburg: South Africa on Thursday brought back pace duo of Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini in their team for Friday's fifth and final One-dayer against Australia at the cost of off-spinner Johan Botha and fast bowler Wayne Parnell.

South Africa have decided to rest Johan Botha after his bowling action was reported for suspect bowling action during the fourth match, which the hosts won to secure an unassailable 3-1 in the five-match series.

South Africa and Australia have faced off in six Tests, four Twenty20 internationals and nine ODIs over the past four months. The end is in sight

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith said their success against formidable Australia and earlier against England is most satisfying.

"If I look back at the highlights over the past 18 months, I have to put the away Test series victories over England and Australia at the top of the list.

"These have been the two toughest assignments for South African cricket in the past and to have achieved both of those successes in the space of six months has been very special for this team," Smith said.

South Africa have a 7-2 advantage in the nine ODIs this year and have deservedly retained the No. 1 one-day ranking. Australia have slipped so far that they now sit third behind India, although victory in Johannesburg would bump them back up to second.

Match facts
Firday April 17, 2009 (day/night)
Start time 2.30pm local (12.30 GMT)

Stats and Trivia

• Between the two sides, ten men who played in the 438 match will take the field on Friday - four from Australia and six from South Africa.
• The two highest scorers from each team in that game - Gibbs, Graeme Smith, Ponting and Michael Hussey - will all be part of the rematch.
• It's often assumed that Mick Lewis had the worst economy rate in that match as his ten overs cost 113 but in fact the honour belongs to Jacques Kallis, who bowled six overs for 70 - or 11.66 runs per over.
• Gibbs needs 44 runs to become the second South African after Kallis to reach the 8000 figure in ODIs.