Coming to terms with feared SA pacemen

EXPERIENCED Australia batsman Chris Rogers has been taking advice from fellow opener David Warner about how to face up to the South African bowling attack ahead of the first test in Pretoria.

The left-handed pair will be crucial for Australia in seeing off the new ball on wickets that will give assistance to the home bowlers, with scars still burning from the tourists’ capitulation in 2011 when they were bowled out for 47 in Cape Town.

Shane Watson and Phil Hughes opened the innings on that occasion, with Warner’s only tests against the Proteas coming in the home series loss in the 2012-13 season when he made 100 in Adelaide but did not manage another score of substance.

The 36-year-old Rogers admits he was leaning on the experience of his junior partner, despite their contrasting approach to the game.

“We have had a chat, especially being left-handers and openers, and he has given some good feedback. He has some good ideas and hopefully that will help come the first test,” Rogers sai.

Rogers, who made his test debut against India in 2008 but did not play again until the Ashes series in England last year, said this tour would be his most important yet.

“If I can do well against this [SA] attack then I can be pretty proud of the achievement.

“It is all about . . . playing the bowler and the conditions, so I am looking forward to that challenge.” The first test of the three-match series starts in Pretoria on February 12. – Reuters