A lack of choice has prolonged the careers of two of Australia's ageing cricket warriors, going into the second test against South Africa in Melbourne, starting on Boxing Day.
Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch says opening batsman Mathew Hayden and fast bowler Brett Lee were both culpable in Australia's deflating loss to South Africa in the first Test in Perth, but he conceded his panel has little option but to stick with them.
The young offspinner Jason Krejza was made the predictable scapegoat, stepping aside for the return of Nathan Hauritz, who played against New Zealand last month.
And the Tasmanian swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus was also added to the side of 13.