Australia aim to keep supremacy over South Africa

Australia will aim to maintain their supremacy over South Africa when they play a "dead rubber" third Test starting at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.

Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, said there would be no let-up despite winning the series after the first two Tests. Asked whether the series win might open the door for other members of the touring squad to play in the final match, Ponting said "I wouldn't think so. The guys who are in the side at the moment are playing well and deserve their selection for the next Test as well. Everyone's put their hand up and done the job."

South Africa, though, might make some changes. Batsman Hashim Amla and fast bowler Dale Steyn were added to the 16-member squad after they lost the second Test by 112 runs in Durban.

Graeme Smith, the South African captain, said some of his team-mates were feeling the effects of a gruelling programme, with the current series following a 10-week tour of Australia. South Africa still have a series against New Zealand to play, with three matches in successive weeks starting April 15.

"The selectors have decided to have a few extra options," said Smith. "I wasn't a part of the decision. We'll go to the Wanderers and make a decision on what is best for this Test match and for the New Zealand series."

Smith admitted it would not be easy for his team to bounce back from losses in the first two Tests. "We've been outplayed in the Test form of the game. With the quick turnaround time and the amount of emotional and mental strain that it takes with such important Test matches it's always going to be tough."

History is on South Africa's side. On their two previous tours Australia won the first two Tests but lost the third. It will, however, need a major improvement from South Africa, whose batsmen have not been able to build big enough totals, while the bowlers have lacked the strike power to dismiss Australia cheaply.

"We want to put up a better performance," said Smith. "We had a terrific one-day series but we've just been outplayed on some of the days in the Test matches. We seem to get close and get ourselves into decent positions and we let ourselves down."

Smith's own poor form as an opening batsman has been one of the reasons why South Africa have struggled. In six Tests against Australia this season, including an appearance for the World XI in the Super Series, his highest score was the 40 he made in the second innings in Durban.

Justin Langer, the Australian opening batsman, will be playing in his 100th Test. He will become the third member of the current team, behind Shane Warne and Ponting, to reach this landmark.

South Africa Graeme Smith (capt), AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Mark Boucher (wk), Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Boeta Dippenaar, Hashim Amla, Andrew Hall, Garnett Kruger, Dale Steyn

Australia (likely) Ricky Ponting (capt), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Michael Kasprowicz, Stuart Clark