Michael Hussey will lead Australia against the West Indies today chanting the mantra "rain rain go away" as the weather threatens to derail the DLF Cup tri-series here.
Malaysia was picked as a neutral venue for this Champions Trophy warm-up but monsoonal downpours, usual at this time of year, have wreaked havoc, with two of the three games so far disrupted by rain.
Few doubt that the same will happen today when Australia play the West Indies for a second time here after their comprehensive 78-run mauling of the Caribbean side last week.
The Aussies are experimenting in Kuala Lumpur, and captain Ricky Ponting takes a break today, handing his responsibilities to Hussey, whose calm outlook and strong team qualities have earned him the right to lead the side.
There will be at least three other changes, with a trio of players sent home yesterday in a pre-planned decision to slim the squad to 15.
They include young fast bowler Mitchell Johnson who burst through so spectacularly against India on Saturday with a blistering four wicket haul.
Also on the plane home are batsmen Mark Cosgrove and Phil Jaques, meaning Test star Matthew Hayden will start his first one-day game in almost a year.
Speedster Brett Lee and all-rounder Andrew Symonds are also expected to make their first starts of the tour.
"Obviously I'm not looking to change too much," said Hussey, a middle-order batsman.
"The team has been playing pretty well so far. Ricky has a very good plan, a good culture. I'm lucky I've got some very good senior players around me to help me out as well," he said.
"We've got great depth and I'm really looking forward to the challenge against the West Indies. We've got some big games coming up and we're really determined to make the final [on Sunday]," he said.
Hayden will open with either Simon Katich or Shane Watson, who performed outstandingly in the role against India on Saturday, hitting a career-best 79.
"I'm obviously really excited about having the opportunity," said Hayden, Australia's regular Test opener who lost his one-day place a year ago.
"It's been a long time since I've played one-day cricket for Australia. I like to think that my performances in Test cricket have led me to this position right now," he said.
Lee will spearhead the bowling but Australia will miss Johnson, who caused all sorts of problems for the Indians.
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