MELBOURNE (Reuters)
Australia's cricketers say there is no need to panic despite losing their first three matches of the triangular limited-overs series with New Zealand and South Africa.

Australia's current one-day losing streak is their worst since the summer of 1997-98 and has left them in danger of missing out on a place in the finals, something they haven't done for five years.

In the 23-year history of the annual one-day tournament, no team has lost their first three matches and gone on to reach the playoffs. Australia will probably have to win their last five matches, starting with Sunday's game against South Africa in Brisbane, to buck that trend.

But captain Steve Waugh remains confident. "There's no reason why we can't come back from here," he said.

"We've been in a position to win three games but we've lost three so obviously we're not playing good cricket."

Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, who missed Thursday's loss to New Zealand in Sydney to spend time with his family, said he was also confident the team could turn their fortunes around.

Australia pulled off one of the great comebacks in cricket history when they won the 1999 World Cup after losing two of their first three pool matches.

"This team, whether in Test or one-day cricket, has created its own history a number of times in recent years so it's an opportunity to do it again," Gilchrist said.

"It's a terrific challenge and we can lift ourselves up for it. If we keep believing in ourselves we can do that."

Gilchrist said it was notable in Australia's first three matches how the opposition had raised their game to a new level. Australia would have to do the same if they wanted to start winning.

"What stands out is how fired up the opposition are to beat us in this tournament," Gilchrist said.

"South Africa have got a lot to make up for, feeling they probably lost something in the World Cup and New Zealand are always keen to beat us.

"Perhaps that has caught us off guard a bit. When teams lift to beat the champions, you have to be aware of it."

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