Aussies Lose No 1 Ranking!

World champions Australia have lost their No 1 ranking in One Day Internationals after South Africa defeated them in the fifth and final one dayer at Perth yesterday. After winning the toss the South African skipper Johan Botha elected to bat first. South Africa rested their front line pacemen Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini for the dead rubber as a part of their "rotation policy". They were replaced by two debutants Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe. South African opener Hashim Amla played a fluent knock to lift South Africa to a formidable total of 288 for the loss of 6 wickets in their alloted 50 overs. A B de Villers and J P Duminy also contributed 60 runs each. For the hosts all-rounder James Hopes scalped 3 wickets while Hilfenhaus took 2.

In reply Australia got off to a disastrous start losing 4 wickets with just 51 on board in under 13 overs. Mike Hussey scored 78 and keeper batsman Brad Haddin scored 63 in a lost cause as Australia were bowled out for 249 in 49 overs. For the visitors, debutant Tsotsobe captured 4 wickets. Hashim Amla was declared the "Man Of The Match".

Australia could regain their No1 ranking when they take on the 4th ranked New Zealanders in the upcoming Chappel Hadlee trophy. However to do so Ricky Ponting and his men have to find a way to hit the ground running as the Kiwis are a formidable One Day outfit.