Fast-talking Aussie
JAMES Pattinson says the Australian bowling attack will relish being underdogs in the looming Test series against South Africa.
YOUNG gun James Pattinson says the Australian attack will relish being underdogs in the loomi ng Test cricket pace bowling showdown with a South Africa line-up ranked best in the world.
Australia will weigh up whether to go into the first Test at the Gabba on November 9 with a fourpronged pace attack or include three quicks and spinner Nathan Lyon.
Either way, Pattinson acknowledges the selectors faced a tough choice deciding who to leave out from Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and himself.
Siddle and Pattinson will probably lead the attack, and Hilfenhaus, who starred with the ball against India last summer, has strong claims while Cummins and Starc are impressing in the Twenty20 format.
Starc’s left-armers add a different dimension, meaning selectors could be forced to make a difficult choice between rising star Cummins and the experienced Hilfenhaus even if they choose a four-man attack.
‘‘It is going to be pretty tough for the selectors, whether they play four seamers at the Gabba or play a spinner, and which four seamers they do play,’’ Pattinson said.
‘‘ It is going to be very interesting. The best thing we can all do is make sure we are up and ready to go.
‘‘If it (selection) comes, it comes — if it isn’t your day, so be it. You just put your head down and keep working hard.’’
A recharged Pattinson said the pressure would be on the Proteas’ line- up, which rates as the world’s premier bowling attack.
In official Test rankings, Dale Steyn is No.1 with Vernon Philander No.2 while the other member of the celebrated pace triumvirate, Morne Morkel, is No.9.