They belted Graeme Swann into retirement, now Australia will look to dent the confidence of South African spinner Robin Peterson.
The Proteas’ fearsome pace attack is headlined by Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn, No.1 and No.2 in the ICC’s Test bowling rankings.
But their search for a game-changing Test spinner continues.
Peterson was chosen for the upcoming series against Australia ahead of legspinner Imran Tahir, who finished with match figures of 0-260 in Adelaide in 2012.
He is a left-arm finger spinner who has played most of his international cricket in coloured clothes, managing 14 Tests in a career that started in 2003.
David Warner suggested Australia would “respect” Peterson, who snared match figures of 6-171 when the two sides last met at the WACA in 2012.
But the hard-hitting opener made no secret of the fact his side wants to pile pressure on the chirpy 34-year-old.
“Robin Peterson is a bit ‘out there’ and likes to get into verbal contests. Sometimes, as a batter, if they’ve got that chip on their shoulder we’re willing to take them down a bit more,” Warner said on Wednesday.
“I think they’ll use probably (JP) Duminy and him probably simultaneously.
“They’ve got to hold up one end as well as they can, and if we put pressure on both of them they’re going to have to bring back their quicks.
“I think that’s a job we did very well against England … any team that has quality fast bowlers, always try and take down the spinner.”
Warner, speaking before the Australians travelled to Centurion to train, also took a swipe at Philander.
“I would have like to see him bowl at Adelaide in that second Test (in 2012) when he apparently hurt his back and was bowling in the nets three days later,” he said.
“On a good wicket he’s very tough and will be challenging.
“If it becomes flat we’ve got to make the most of it and try to get on top of him, but if it’s green and seaming we’ve got to try and respect him as much as we can.”
It’s a mantra Warner will look to apply to all of the South African bowlers when the first Test starts next Wednesday in Centurion.
“The quality of bowling they’ve got you have to respect it, and when they’re bowling loose you’ve got be aggressive,” he said of his gameplan for the three-Test series.
Warner is back in South Africa for the first time since being banished to Australia A’s tour of the republic during his Ashes purgatory.
Sandy
Guest
I know you are BB, you're not alone. Unfortunately I also think Lorgat will have to go, it's not right but the writing is on the wall.
That pretty much sums it up.
Yeah Sandy, I find that quite pathetic, very disappointed in them.
The Oracle
Guest
The last time these teams met, the result was poor for Australia. This inane chest beating shows the character of those doing it. Lets hope it is a good series. If the Warner and co. are to be believed, they just have to show up to win.
Sandy
Guest
So much for the denial. CSA didn't stand steadfast for too long BB. http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/current/story/717377.html
Let's just accept determination and focus will be at the fore front, you also need to consider the fact that Philander is rather handy with the bat, he is currently ranked third on the ICC test allrounder list.
jameswm
Guest
I realise that BBB, but motivating someone usually means extra effort. Not so relevant for a line, length and movement bowler. As I said, what will Philander be motivated to do? Bowl MORE acurately? Or swing it more than usual? See what I mean, it's just not that relevant a comment for him.
James, don't bury your head in the sand. Do yourself a favour and check Philander's average and strike rate at home. There is more to bowling than "scaring" batsmen.
Getoverit
Guest
Gotta laugh Lyon will show Peterson what areal spinner looks like
Getoverit
Guest
Lyon also can tie down an end, take wickets with proper deliveries not full tosses and has over 10 wkts. Pathetic to compare a decent spinner to a pie chucker who has only played 14 tests in 10 years
Getoverit
Guest
Your short memory also seems to forget that Australia were a bowler down
Armchair expert
Guest
Compare their 1st class averages.
Vic
Guest
Vic
Guest
BB, mate, its all about lee blikke. Also unfortunately nie baie tussen die ore nie, onse Davey Warner. "Peterson was chosen for the upcoming series against Australia ahead of legspinner Imran Tahir, who finished with match figures of 0-260 in Adelaide in 2012." - Australia would do well to remember that despite the above, they managed to managed to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory in Adelaide...... How short the collective team memory appears to be
Sandy
Guest
You may be right BB, only time will tell. ;) http://www.bdlive.co.za/sport/cricket/2014/02/06/which-side-will-cricket-sa-support My point was, if the Aussies should keep their game plan secret then maybe the SA's should just "concentrate" on theirs. I'm sure both teams WILL play to their own plan.
jameswm
Guest
To do what? Bowl bouncers or bowl more accurately? It's not like he's fearsome in an Ambrose or Roberts sense.
And Lyon averages 32. Not much difference, eh?
Doesn't matter whether it is defamation, the talk just motivates Philander.
Sandy, the South African team WILL follow their own plan, and as for the BCCI, CSA denied the rumours that they are toeing the line and will make their own suggestions on how they believe the future of cricket should look. They are still standing steadfast behind their beliefs. It all just aids them in being more determined. ;)
Sandy
Guest
The Aussies can sit back now BB, the Safrican's are talking for them. Faf "Australia will try and target me". Maybe they should concentrate on their own game plan eh. I wouldn't worry too much about the BCCI thing, now that CSA will get a cut of the test cricket fund they seem to have calmed down a bit, money hey, who would have thought.