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BRISBANE, Australia, Friday (AFP) - South African cricket captain Shaun Pollock warned here Friday it is far too early to write off Australia, despite the home country's disastrous start in the tri-nation one-day series.

The World Cup limited-overs champions have been beaten in their opening three matches in the tournament - twice by New Zealand and once by South Africa.

But Pollock urged caution in suggesting the home country could be out of the running for a place in next month's best-of-three finals.

"There's still a lot of cricket to be played," said Pollock, mindful that Australia have five qualifying matches to complete - the next against South Africa here Sunday.

South Africa and New Zealand, joint leaders with two wins each, lock horns at the 'Gabba Saturday to decide who moves to outright leadership.

"We are just going to go out on Sunday and treat it as a normal game and hope to come out on top," Pollock said.

"If we play good cricket, then the rest of the results will look after themselves.

"Our job is to make sure we qualify, and then we don't have to worry too much about anyone else."

Pollock complemented New Zealand on gaining their victories - both by a margin of 23 runs - over the home country.

"Australia have been a very good one-day unit, but all credit to New Zealand, also a good team who have played well."

He predicted that the standard of cricket would improve as the tournament progressed.

"Looking at our guys in the nets today, I felt our players were really starting to get into the one-day set-up and to find their form," he said.

"The tournament will produce some even better cricket as we go on.

"It takes a little while to get going in the one-day scene, but by the end of the series, and especially by the finals, I am sure all teams will be playing very well."

The Proteas are almost certain to be without ace fast bowler Allan Donald for Saturday's match.

But there are still hopes he will be fit enough to be in action against Australia the following day in front of a sell-out crowd.

Donald chipped a flake of bone from the middle finger of his right (bowling) hand during South Africa's comfortable win over New Zealand in Hobart Tuesday.

"Donald did not bowl at practice today, so it is unlikely we would take a risk with him in Saturday's New Zealand game," Pollock said.

"But if he can bowl tomorrow, and if he feels fine, then maybe we will play him against Australia.

"It's just a matter of his holding the ball. If he feels comfortable with that, then it's fine."

The presence of 35-year-old Donald provides an important extra dimension of experience to the South African balance.

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