Duo set for Australia bow

Doug Bollinger and Andrew McDonald flank Ricky Ponting ahead of the third and final Test in Sydney

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New South Wales pace bowler Doug Bollinger and Victoria all-rounder Andrew McDonald have been named in the Australia side for the third Test against South Africa at the SCG starting tomorrow.

Bollinger edged out Ben Hilfenhaus to replace Brett Lee while McDonald comes in at the expense of injured all-rounder Andrew Symonds.

Both players will be making their Test debut and, along with Peter Siddle and Nathan Hauritz – both have whom have played just three Tests – make up a young and inexperienced line-up to face the in-form Proteas as they chase the number one Test ranking.

After learning of his inclusion in the starting XI, left-armer Bollinger resisted the temptation to engage in any pre-match banter, warned South Africa to expect a rough ride when he takes the new ball.

"I just like to compete and do well really," Bollinger said. "Sport is meant to be competitive and to be honest you're not out there to make friends - you can be friends with them after the game."

Australia captain Ricky Ponting backed Bollinger to handle the occasion, confirming he would open the bowling on his debut.

The new-look Australia side pose for pictures in front of the SCG pavilion on the eve of the game

"We've been looking for someone at the top of the bowling order with the new ball that can have some impact for us and can use the new ball or the old ball so Doug will get the nod tomorrow," he said.

Ponting also underlined the decision to select Bollinger owed much to his familiarity with the SCG wicket.

"It obviously had a lot to do with his overall skills in the type of conditions that we're going to be confronted with here at the SCG," he said.

"He's got a very good record here, I think five or six five-fors in five or six games here at the SCG and six wickets (against South Australia) in his last game here for New South Wales.

"He obviously knows the conditions very well and will swing the new ball for us hopefully, and he's got very good skills with the old ball."

Since his return from the Test series in India, Bollinger has taken 14 wickets in three Sheffield Shield outings for New South Wales at an average of 22.14.

There was little debate about the inclusion of McDonald, who has scored 1,619 runs at an average of 52.22 and taken 57 wickets at 30.47 in first-class cricket for Victoria since the 2006-07 summer.