Australia unchanged for final Test

The selectors considered playing four fast bowlers because of the uncertain weather conditions at Eden Park but resisted the temptation to make changes.

Australia's decision to stick with Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz as the three quicks means express paceman Brett Lee will again serve as 12th man and allows middle-order batsman Michael Clarke to retain his spot.

"The bowlers have once again been outstanding," captain Ricky Ponting told a news conference on Friday.

"They are doing very, very well and keeping Brett out of the side."

Clarke, who made a blazing start to his Test career last year, is in the middle of a form slump having scored 16 runs in the two previous Tests against New Zealand.

However, Ponting said there was no cause for alarm and there was no real consideration given to dropping him.

"It's pretty hard to maintain those very high standards," said Ponting. "It's been predicted that he is the future of Australian cricket...so something like that (being dropped) wouldn't be what he needs at this stage of his career."

TEST DEBUTANT

While Australia stuck with the same team, New Zealand left out middle-order

James Marshall will open the batting with Craig Cumming. Skipper Stephen Fleming, who has been a flop at the top of the order, drops back down to number four.

"James is one of a few players who are adding depth to the pool of players we select from," New Zealand coach John Bracewell said in a statement.

Australia are assured of retaining the Trans-Tasman trophy after winning the first Test in Christchurch by nine wickets and drawing the second in Wellington, a game plagued by bad weather.

Teams:

New Zealand (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig Cumming, James Marshall, Hamish Marshall, Lou Vincent, Nathan Astle, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin, Paul Wiseman.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee (12th man).