South Africa batting coach Neil McKenzie believes that Australia’s bowling attack lacks any source of a fear factor.
The ex-Proteas batsman says that despite their line-up consisting of some recognised match-winners, there is no evidence of a recognised speedster to strike fear into the hearts of the South African batsmen.
‘I don’t think it’s the fear factor, it’s more most of the guys are worried about losing their wicket, not about the fear factor,’ McKenzie told reporters in Adelaide on Wednesday.
‘That is how it probably should be.
‘But the bowlers are still quality, can still get you out and can still win Test matches for their country, so they have still got to respect whatever comes out there.
‘You don’t have to look too far past most of the guys’ stats, I know they have five or six seamers up for selection, they’re all quality seamers.
‘I don’t know if the 150km/h is still there, but it’s a quality bowling line-up. And behind the stumps, there is still enough aggression.’
Spearhead Mitchell Starc is the only Australian paceman likely to tease the 150km/h mark, with support from Josh Hazlewood and either Peter Siddle or Jackson Bird providing more accuracy than pace.
McKenzie said there is no chance of South Africa underestimating Australia despite their 5-0 whitewash in the ODI series.
‘I don’t think you can be underrated ever, especially in Australia,’ he said.
‘We know there’s a rich history, lots of tradition and a lot of pride in performance.’
As final preparations begin for the first Test in Perth on November 3, the Proteas play a two-day match against a South Australian XI at beachside Glenelg Oval.
McKenzie said the tour game would act as a switch for the tourists, who played a pink-ball day-night match against a Cricket Australia XI last weekend.
‘Now it’s just back to the red ball, getting the techniques organised, getting the minds right,’ he said.
‘Everyone is in a good mental state, everyone has had a good run at this stage.
‘The coaches are happy with where we are. 10 days before the Test match’
