Cricket: Cronje warns of an Australian advance: Injured Mark Waugh given only an even chance of playing in first Test against South Africa as Middle Eastern country prepares for the grand stage

HANSIE CRONJE, the South African vice-captain who hit a career- best 251 for Orange Free State against Australia this week, expects the touring team to step up a gear in the first Test, starting in Johannesburg today.

Australia face the opening match of the three-Test series - their first in South Africa since 1970 - after showing uneven form in the early tour games. But Cronje warned: 'There is no doubt that they will step up a gear for the Test. They are a good team.'

Although they had little trouble dispatching a weak Northern Transvaal side in the opening first- class game, Australia then found themselves trailing 3-1 in the eight- match limited-overs series.

Australia seem likely to retain the top seven in the order who played in the final Test of their recent home series against South Africa - if Mark Waugh is fit. Waugh split the thumb of his left hand in fielding practice during the match against Orange Free State. He was still having problems gripping a bat yesterday and his chances of playing were rated at only 50-50.

SOUTH AFRICA: A C Hudson, G Kirsten, W J Cronje, P N Kirsten, K C Wessels (capt), J N Rhodes, B M McMillan, D J Richardson (wkt), C R Matthews, P S de Villiers, A A Donald.

AUSTRALIA (from): M A Taylor, M J Slater, D C Boon, M E Waugh, S R Waugh, A R Border (capt), I A Healy (wkt), P R Reiffel, S K Warne, C J McDermott, M G Hughes, G D McGrath, D M Jones, M L Hayden, T B A May.

Saeed Anwar, the opener, steered Pakistan to a five-wicket win in a rain-shortened one-day international against New Zealand in Dunedin yesterday. Saeed hit 60 not out off 72 balls as Pakistan, needing 123 for victory in 30 overs, reached 123 for 5 with almost four overs to spare. The second match in the five-game series is in Auckland on Sunday.

ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL (Dunedin, NZ): Pakistan beat New Zealand by 5 wickets. New Zealand 122 for 9; Pakistan 123 for 5 (Saeed Anwar 60no).