Symonds's return will restore order, says Hussey

DURBAN, South Africa, Mar 6 (Reuters) - Andrew Symonds's return from injury will restore the stability of Australia's batting order, Michael Hussey said today.

A thigh strain has kept all rounder Symonds out of the three one-day internationals Australia have played on their South African tour.

Hopes are high in the visitors' camp that Symonds will be fit for Friday's match in Durban. South Africa lead the five-match series 2-1.

''For the last year our batting order has been very stable,'' Hussey told reporters. ''Each guy knew their specific role very well, and all the guys complemented each other.

''So having both Ricky (Ponting) and Andrew out has made a big difference and having them back in the team, hopefully for the next match, will give us a huge boost.'' Australia staved off a series defeat when they won by 24 runs in Port Elizabeth yesterday.

The match marked captain Ricky Ponting's return from an abdominal strain, and he top scored for Australia with 62.

Hussey said Ponting's return alone would help Australia's cause.

''Hopefully he will go from strength to strength, because he is the lynchpin of our batting order.'' ''It (Sunday) felt like a grand final for us, and I know the guys were pretty nervous about putting in a good performance,'' Hussey said.

''We knew we had to post a good score to put the South Africans under pressure, and of course the series was on the line.

''Our performance gave us a lot of confidence, and hopefully we can take it forward to another grand final on Friday.'' REUTERS VJ RAI0132