Nielsen leaning towards WACA spin
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Jason Krejza could find himself bowling at the traditionally pace-friendly WACA in the first Test against South Africa (file photo). (AFP: Indranil Mukherjee)
The hype of a pace-off between Australia and South Africa on the WACA ground in Perth has already been set in motion, but there are those who remain committed to the balance of a varied bowling attack.
Australian coach Tim Nielsen is one man counselling caution ahead of the start of the series between the two top-ranked teams in the world, saying his personal preference remains an attack composed of three quicks and a spin bowler.
"I like our balance of having a spinner in the side, it allows us to get through some overs without being totally defensive at times as well," Nielsen said.
"The conditions will decide that for us but personally I don't mind the idea of playing three and one.
"I think it balances us up nicely and gives us those options, if they do get partnerships going, that we have something a bit different rather than just slogging away with the same style of bowling."
At the forefront of his mind is the chastening experience of last summer's Perth Test against India, where the Australians picked four quicks but were brought undone.
"We went there last year and played four quicks, with Shaun Tait (who was injured and losing his action) and probably would've liked a spinner in the end," he said.
"The wicket wasn't as quick or bouncy as we expected it to be.
"The balance of three quicks and a spinner, we've said it all the way though, even in India we said we think that's our best balance.
"We've seen another spinner come out here (Adelaide) and do a decent job.
"Nathan Hauritz bowled really nicely for this Test."
Also worth noting is South Africa's traditional preference for batting against quick bowlers.
The Proteas spin blind spot was exploited time and again by Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill and even Michael Bevan.
Jason Krejza remains rightly ahead of Hauritz in the order of preference, though the condition of his sprained ankle will be ssessed closer to the team's arrival in Perth.
-AAP
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