BLOEMFONTEIN (South Africa), March 31: South Africa have dropped stalwart opening batsman Gary Kirsten for the rest of the current one-day series against Australia.

Kirsten, a veteran of 174 limited-overs internationals stretching back to 1993-94, was axed after Australia beat South Africa by 37 runs here Saturday.

Out-of-form Kirsten scored 192 runs at an average of 32 in the Test series against Australia, and in three one-day innings against the world champions he has scored only 26 runs at 8.7.

The result earned Australia, who won the Test series 2-1, an unassailable 3-0 lead with three matches to play.

All-rounder Andrew Hall was also omitted from the squad of 14 announced after the match for the remaining three games.

Uncapped all-rounder Jon Kent was included in the squad, while fast bowler Mornantau Hayward returned after an ankle injury.

Pollock was pleased to welcome fast bowler Hayward back into the fold.

Pollock was then asked how South Africa should go about breaking the psychological hold Australia seem to have over them.

“The sooner they get the hell out of here, the better,” he said.

Squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Mornantau Hayward, Jacques Kallis, Jon Kent, Lance Klusener, Neil McKenzie, Makhaya Ntini, Jonty Rhodes, Graeme Smith, Roger Telemachus.—Reuters