ADELAIDE. Dec 11: The World Series limited-overs cricket match between South Africa and New Zea-

land was. officially abandoned Saturday afternoon after heavy rain fell throughout the day. reports AP.

Both teams received one point for the match. South Africa now have three points from two matches in the triangular series. New Zealand have one point and Australia no points following their loss to South Africa in Melbourne on Thursday.

Australia face New Zealand in Adelaide on Sunday, weather permitting, and prolific opening batsman Matthew Hayden will play his first international match on home soil.

Hayden'is set to come into the starting line-up. probably to replace vice-captain Mark Taylor, as part of Australia's policy

of rotating their side in the early bracket of the competition.

Australian coach Bob Simpson said the selectors had decided that Hayden would play, but were not certain whom he would replace.

"We want to give everyone a couple of games, but we're still deciding on a final line-up." Simpson said.

Hayden played three one-day internationals against England on the Ashes tour earlier this year but could not consolidate a place after scoring 29, 1’4 and four.

The 23-year-oId left-hander has been in excellent form^o far this summer and has 708 first-class, to his name at a remarkable average of 118.00. -

Off-spinner Tim May is still recovering from a hamstring strain and is unlikely to play, leaving a spot open for leg-spinner Shane Warne. South Africa will next play Australia In Sydney on Tuesday and captain

Kepler Wessels said the rainout could be a blessing after the busy schedule his team had in India last month.

"We had a very hard game on Thursday night and a few guys felt the pinch yesterday," Wessels said.

"It could be a blessing in disguise to ease the workload on a few guys.

We would have liked to have played, but it may be of benefit for a few guys to rest."

TEAMS

Australia: Michael Slater. Matthew Hayden. Mark Taylor. David Boon, Mark Waugh. Allan Border (captain). Steve Waugh. Ian Healy. Paul Reiffel. Shane Warne, Craig McDermott. Glenn Mc^hie^d: Rod Latham. Bryan Young. Mark Greatbatch, Ken Rutherford (captain). Chris Harris. Chris Cairns, Shane Thomson, Tony Blain, Dipak Patel. Gavin Larsen. Danny Morrison, Chris Pringle.