Published: Sep 15, 2016, 12:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2016, 12:11 PM (IST)
South African spinner Dane Piedt is excited to bowl on Australian pitches on their upcoming tour. The Proteas are to tour Australia in a three-Test series, starting November 7. Piedt went on and labelled the Test series against Australia as ‘World Cup of Test cricket’ for him. South Africa have been able to win two Test series touring Australia, a series win this time would ensure a hat-trick of wins. The last time South Africa toured under the captaincy of former player Graeme Smith. The 26-year-old also acknowledged that their track record against Australia would work as a confidence booster for them. Australia are to tour South Africa for one-off ODI against Ireland in September end and then a five-ODI series against the hosts. Piedt has only featured in 7 Tests taking 24 wickets, he is yet to make his debut in ODI and T20I.
Piedt told IOL, “To multiply these feelings, I am now sharing a dressing-room with guys who have gone to Australia and been successful. Guys who have achieved plenty of success in Australia. That gives the young guys like us plenty of confidence that we can go there and do something really special. “Don’t get me wrong. I’ve heard the stories, and I know it’s going to be unbelievably hard cricket down there. The Aussies are just so competitive and play such a positive brand of cricket. However, that’s how it must be. It must be tough.”
Piedt also mentioned that winning against Australia in their homeground will be an unlimate achievement, he said, “That is why I think, with all the history the two teams share, an Australia Test tour is the World Cup of Test cricket for any South African laaitie [sic]. It’s the pinnacle. To go down there and do well is the ultimate achievement.”
Peidt knows that it will be a challenge for him to bowl in Australia in conditions not suitable for spinners, he said, “I am well aware of what awaits me. It is not just the conditions. It’s the way the Aussies play. There’s a lot of bravado in their batting. They enjoy taking you on. They love attacking you, coming down the wicket at you, they are always at you. I was recently on the South Africa A tour to Australia where I experienced that. I find that exciting. It brings you into the game as a spinner.” ALSO READ: Graeme Hick named Australia’s batting coach ahead of South Africa series
He further added, “I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be tough. I might not even play in the first Test in Perth. We might decide to go with (an) all-pace attack. I can’t worry about that. That’s out of my hands. If I am selected to play, I will have a job to do. If I am not, then I will also have a job to do and that’s to ensure my team-mates are hydrated sufficiently. Whatever my role is for the team, on or off the field, I want to do it to the best of my ability,”
Piedt is enjoying his role despite a pace-heavy attack which performed well against New Zealand in recently concluded Test series, he said, “I really enjoyed bowling against New Zealand recently. I might not have had a big role to play with guys like Dale Steyn back, but the part I did play was certainly pleasurable.”
He also praised stand-in captain, Faf du Plessis against the Kiwis, he said, “Faf [Du Plessis] really inspired me. He really wanted me to attack. And that’s when I play my best cricket. I like taking wickets and working on ways to take wickets, especially in the second innings. Faf came to me and said don’t worry about the runs, just go out there and get me a wicket. I really tried to bowl attacking lines because the ball was spinning and when I managed to get BJ Watling (out) it was really satisfying because not only did I break up a little partnership, I answered my captain’s call.”
