By IANS,
Sydney : Australia’s debutant fast bowler Doug Bollinger walked up and gave a mouthful to South African captain Graeme Smith on the second day of the Sydney Test match here Sunday.
Though only one word ‘bugger’ was picked by the stumps mike after Smith edged Bollinger over the slips, the scene was applauded by the spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
It was Smith who inflicted the insult in comparing the selection of local boy Bollinger over Ben Hilfenhaus to England’s selection of Darren Pattinson. He also made fun of a recent “Dougism” – Bollinger’s vow to give “150,000 per cent” for his country.
Bollinger paid back Smith in the same coin and his second over proved that the left-armer was going to take his revenge. The first bouncer squared up Smith, and a thick edge off the shoulder of the bat flew over the slips cordon.
The next was pulled decisively through the on side for four. Bollinger followed with a fuller, faster delivery at about 140 kmh that also clipped the edge, but escaped the clutches of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and Matthew Hayden at first slip.
It was an act of aggression that has been missing from the Australian approach for weeks.
Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke said Bollinger plays the game with aggression and passion.
“That’s the Dougie I know; the Dougie I’ve played with for a while now. Whether it’s his first Test or 50th Test, he’s going to be the same. He gets fired up. He likes to get stuck into the batters, and he likes to bowl fast,” Clarke, who is also Bollinger’s team mate in New South Wales, was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Even after Mitchell Johnson forced Smith to retire hurt with a broken hand, the aggression in Bollinger was not lost. Bollinger greeted new batsman Hashim Amla by aiming a lethal bouncer at his throat, and gesturing to Ricky Ponting to bring in a short leg.