The Australians have dropped opener Matthew Hayden after a string of poor scores and he will be replaced as Adam Gilchrist's partner by rising star Michael Clarke.

Allrounder Shane Watson was brought into the team with pacebowler Michael Kasprowicz missing out while spinner Bradd Hogg was named 12th man.

The match was due to begin under clearing skies after record rainfall and storms battered Melbourne for the last three days, although more rain was forecast.

Pakistan come into the match with two straight wins -- a three-wicket win over Australia and a 30-run win over the West Indies -- both in Perth.

Australia lost only once during the qualifying series and started as hot favourites against a team they have dominated throughout their tour here.

Pakistan made one change, with Mohammad Hafeez to replace Yasir Hameed at number three. Taufeeq Umar will carry the drinks.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Andrew Symonds, Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Brad Hogg (12th man).

Pakistan: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Yousuf Youhana, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Mohammad Khalil, Taufeeq Umar (12th man).

Umpires: Steve Davis (AUS), Billy Bowden (NZL)

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Pakistan Cricket Board)