Australia set to drop Maher, Harvey

PRETORIA - Jimmy Maher and Ian Harvey seem certain to lose their places in the Australian team for Saturday's World Cup match against India.

Darren Lehmann was due to return from suspension and Michael Bevan from injury for the game at SuperSport Park, Centurion, meaning two players from Australia's comprehensive 82-run win over Pakistan during the week would be unlucky omissions.

Allrounder Harvey and reserve batsmen Maher were most likely to go.

Their only reprieve could be if Bevan's torn groin muscle had not mended properly, but all indications were he would play.

"The way we played the first game was fantastic so I've just got to hope I get selected," said Lehmann.

"It's good to be back and available for selection.

"I hope I play and play well.

"Michael trained today and got through okay so I'm presuming he'll be okay as well."

Lehmann missed Australia's last five matches because of a suspension he received for making a racist comment after his dismissal in a game against Sri Lanka in Brisbane last month.

Bevan suffered a torn groin muscle less than a week before the squad left for South Africa.

The one certainty to come from the match against Pakistan was that Andrew Symonds, who made 143 not out from 125 balls, was now an automatic selection.

"You can't drop a bloke who made 140 - that would be a brave move," said Lehmann.

"That could be the turning point in his career and we all hope it is."

Australia was due to hold a team meeting at 9am Friday (6pm AEDT) with the side to be announced about 30 minutes later.