At Wanderers, buzzword is pace

Clarke has every reason to rate his quicks after their leading role in the 5-0 Ashes demolition of England. With left-armer Mitchell Johnson in lethal form, and Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle backing him up superbly, Australia has the weaponry to become the first team to beat South Africa in a Test series in five years, the first since the 2009 Australians won in South Africa.

The Ashes whitewash also restored some of the traditional values of the Aussie cricket team under coach Darren Lehmann. A team that has always liked to play hard and look its opponent square in the eye, Australia revived its old ways and intimidated England’s batsmen throughout the Ashes and the opposition crumbled. It’s a basic tactic that the Aussies will likely try to continue on a pacey pitch at SuperSport Park in the first of three tests starting on Wednesday”

“I think short-pitched bowling can work against anyone,’’ Siddle said. “When you’ve got Mitchell Johnson bowling at those speeds, I don’t think it matters who you’re playing or how good the batsmen are. It’s hard work. Yes, we do play aggressively.’’

With the Aussies rightly bullish over their chances, and hinting the home team won’t be able to handle their pace, the South Africans have said they won’t react with rhetoric ahead of the series. “When you’ve played against Australia enough, you know that it will be tough cricket. This series is going to be decided by the cricket that’s played over the 15 days.’’

The South Africans are aware though they will have to stand up to a resurgent Australia. “The most important thing when you’re playing Australia is you’ve got to show a lot of character,” Proteas coach Russell Domingo said. “They’re a side that if they get on top of you, they’re very difficult to stop.”

While Australia’s preparations involved a vigorous practice match among the squad — where the quick bowlers peppered their own batsmen with the short-pitched stuff —South Africa retreated to a wildlife reserve for two days of team bonding around campfires.

LIVE ON TEN CRICKET: 2PM

Curated For You

Kapil Sharma admits facing pressure from Netflix on The Great Indian Kapil Show: ‘Hisaab dena hota hai’

At 10.2°C, Kolkata records coldest January day in 12 years: Here’s what IMD forecast for Bengal says

Shark Tank judge Mohit Yadav raised Rs 1 cr by mortgaging house, built business worth Rs 2955 cr: ‘Feared my family won’t even have a home’