A new era of Australian one-day cricket will begin at The Wanderers today. For the first time since Steve Waugh's debut on January 9, 1986 - a total of 357 matches - Australia will play a one-day international without the name of Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh or Shane Warne on their teamsheet. Australia will go into the the first one-day international against South Africa without their most capped player (Steve Waugh with 325 matches), their greatest run-scorer (Mark Waugh with 8500 runs), and their leading wicket-taker (Shane Warne with 268). The absence of the latter-day three Ws means that the Aussies have lost 744 caps worth of experience since their last one-dayer, against South Africa at Perth.

While the Waughs have been unceremoniously dropped from the side, Shane Warne is merely being rested to allow a hamstring strain time to recover. Warne suffered the niggle before the second Test at Cape Town, and after he bowled 98 overs in that match, and 43 more at Durban, Australia's management thought it was wise to give him a few days' recuperation.

Errol Alcott, Australia's team physiotherapist, clarified the situation: "Shane's problem is not a major one, but with seven games in 19 days in this series it makes sense for him to miss the first two matches which take place in the space of three days."

Warne's absence means that Nathan Hauritz, Queensland's 20-year-old offspinner, will make a surprise debut at The Wanderers on Friday. "To get the call-up is amazing and a surprise - but a pleasant one," said Hauritz.

"When I was picked for the tour I was hoping to play one game, but if I didn't then that wouldn't have bothered me. It's now up to me to show them what I can do. My aim is just to bowl well and try not to get overawed, just try to relax and enjoy it," said Hauritz, who was called up after taking 18 wickets at 21.16 for Queensland in the ING Cup this season.

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