Off-form Taylor gets backing of coach

The last time he scored anything over 50 was when he got 96 against Sri Lanka in the first Test of the 1996-1997 series, at Perth. Since then, Australian skipper Mark Taylor has gone 15 Test innings without a decent score - the worst record yet with the bat by an Aussie skipper. And yet, coach Geoff Marsh for one is unworried.

After watching Taylor scratch out 18 runs against a weak attack on Thursday in a practise match preparatory to the tour of South Africa, Marsh says he will stick with Taylor, batting slump or no.

"He's the captain, and a very experienced player, we are sure he will find his form again and do well here in South Africa," Marsh said.

Australia embark on a three-Test, seven-ODI South African tour with a three-day game against Western Province at Newlands beginning Saturday.