Shaun Tait urged to back up his great form

Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait, who was on the verge of guiding the Aussies to victory in Sunday’s third ODI against England in Manchester, has been urged to back up his great form.

With fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Brett Lee and Ben Hilfenhaus all unavailable, Tait was included in the team because Ryan Harris was carrying a minor groin injury.

The 27-year-old took full advantage of the opportunity to finish with figures of three wickets for 29 from his 10 overs, and no batsmen looked at ease during his blistering two-over bursts in his first ODI in 16 months.

Tait dismissed England opener Craig Kieswetter (0) with his fourth ball of the day, and later took the wickets of Kevin Pietersen (25) and Mike Yardy (8).

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting said that he was mindful that Tait had not played much 50-over cricket and was careful not to push him too much.

“He’s that sort of bowler anyway, where you’re better off using him in a couple-of-over spells and hoping he makes an impact,” The Age quoted Ponting, as saying.

“I think he did that in almost every spell today. It’s really encouraging to have him back in the side and it’s always exciting when you’ve got someone who can bowl like that,” he added.

England holds an unbeatable 3-0 series lead in the five match series.

The two teams will play the fourth ODI at The Oval on Wednesday.