Hayden set to open for Australia in ODIs

Australian selectors are set to reward opening batsman Matthew Hayden, last year's leading run-scorer in Test cricket, with a place in their limited overs side.

Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said on Monday the World Cup champions would be willing to split their regular opening pairing of Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh as part of a rotational policy where key players are rested.

"We'll probably rest a batsman from time to time as we have done previously and then the batting order is shuffled around," Hohns said.

"You'll see (Hayden opening) at some stage but any decisions will be made by the selectors in conjunction with the captain."

Australia host South Africa and New Zealand in a triangular limited overs series starting in Melbourne on Friday when Australia play New Zealand.

Hayden, 30, was player of the series as Australia swept South Africa 3-0 in the Test series which finished in Sydney last week. The left-hander made a century in each Test.

He scored 1,391 Test runs in 2001.

The strongly-built opener from Queensland has played 27 limited overs matches for Australia with an average of 34.26.

His most recent limited overs match for Australia was in June at The Oval against England.

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Mail Cricket Editor