By IANS,
Melbourne : South African captain Graeme Smith said they would take a cue from India’s recent domination of Australia when they tour Down Under next month.
India showed the fissures in Australian ranks, beating them 2-0 and Smith says he is confident that they too can have a crack at the world champions with their lethal pace battery led by fiery Dale Steyn.
“It (the India result) is not going to pull the wool over our eyes in terms of the challenge we are going to face but it has opened a few ideas for us, a few thoughts and things for us to think about tactically when we go to Australia,” Smith was quoted as saying in The Age.
South Africa will tour next month for three Tests. Smith said if any attack in the world can exploit Australia’s batting weaknesses, it is them.
“Dale had an incredible season last year, and he has got the ability to exploit weaknesses.”
“He’s got pace, he’s got swing. Morne (Morkel) is not bowling his best at the moment but he also has potential, and obviously Makhaya (Ntini) basically leads our attack.
“We have a pretty varied pace attack. We have different angles, we have swing, we have pace, so if anyone is capable of opening up mistakes or opportunities, it is going to be our attack.
Steyn and Morkel should enjoy the pace and bounce of Australian wickets, particularly in Perth, and Steyn’s express brand of swing is precisely the type of bowling that has troubled champion opener Matthew Hayden, who had a torrid time against Zaheer Khan in India.
“It’s going to be about adapting to the conditions we face over there. Australia do bat deep. Matthew Hayden is a world-class performer and as a left-hand opening batter, his record is incredible. If you can keep Matthew Hayden quiet, if you can keep Ricky Ponting quiet, or most of the top six, you’re giving yourself the best opportunity to perform well.”
Smith added that wresting away the No.1 crown from Australia would be the driving ambition for his team.