Aussies switch off one-day worries

Australia's Test players have promised to shut out emotion surrounding the one-day squad revamp as they attempt to clinch a series victory in Cape Town.

The second Test, starting on Friday, has an obvious storyline with Shane Warne playing his 100th Test and coming up against his favourite batsman, the recalled Daryll Cullinan.

But Mark Waugh's performance will also attract plenty of attention as he enters the last phase of his international career.

He's must prove to selectors he has some years left at Test level after being dumped from the one-day squad yesterday.

Brother Steve has been running the same campaign since he was axed from the one-day team three weeks ago, with a score of 32 against South Africa in his only Test knock since.

But the plight of the 36-year-old Waughs won't be discussed in the dressing rooms with the team determined to seal back-to-back series wins over the Proteas this summer.

"We had a little bit of a talk when Mark found out he wasn't in the squad and decided that's where it finished, there would be no more talk about the one-day stuff until it comes around," said batsman Ricky Ponting, the new one-day captain.

"It was (emotional) because you spend so much time with them and they end up being really good mates of yours. When they get left out you do feel for them.

"I've been great mates with Steve and Mark for the last six or seven years. Now for me not to be playing in one form of the game with either of those guys is a bit difficult ... but life goes on and you've got to get on with things."

The Waughs have told their teammates they won't dwell on their one-day sackings, and the Test players insist they have had minimal discussion about the changes since arriving in South Africa.

However, the selectors' actions are a clear sign to the twins, particularly Mark, that their days as automatic selections are over and they must perform or be replaced if suitable successors are found.

Former team leaders Mark Taylor and Ian Healy faced the same pressures when they were ushered out of one-day cricket during the Ashes tour in 1997.

Taylor played another 23 Tests before retiring, averaging 46.65 with the bat in that time, while Healy played 31 Tests before receiving a tap on the shoulder to make way for explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist.

But both Healy and Taylor were younger than the Waughs when they retired from all international cricket, leaving a question over how long the Waughs can remain driving forces in the Australian team.

Both have appeared relaxed on the South African tour, with Mark insisting there was no point worrying about his one-day future because the decision was out of his hands.

Meanwhile, Warne's future in both forms of the game seems certain for the immediate future after national selector Trevor Hohns gave some backing to the leg-spinner.

Warne will enter his 100th Test ranked the second-highest wicket-taker in the game, itching for another shot at Cullinan.

The Victorian has bamboozled the 35-year-old in the past but Cullinan hasn't backed away from another confrontation since his 86 for South Africa A against Australia last Friday.

Cullinan was among four changes to the Proteas, included along with debutant quick Dewald Pretorius and left-arm wrist spinner Paul Adams while captain Shaun Pollock is listed to return from a side strain.

Pollock will bowl at full speed in the nets on Wednesday with a final decision on his fitness on Thursday.