Dane Piedt labelled the Proteas Test series against Australia the ‘World Cup of Test cricket’ as they hunt down a hat-trick of wins on Australian soil.
After two successful Australian tours, the Proteas are hunting that illusive third-consecutive series win as they aim to climb up the ICC Test rankings. Piedt has expressed his excitement about bowling on Australian pitches and that a hat-trick of wins will boost the confidence within the camp.
In a discussion with IOL, Piedt made his emotions clear on how he feels ahead of the much-anticipated Test series saying that the experienced victors in the last match will contribute to the positivity in the dressing room.
‘To multiply these feelings, I am now sharing a dressingroom 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.’
He goes on to say that it would be hugely satisfying to defeat one of their biggest rivals.
‘With all the history the two teams share, an Australia Test tour is the World Cup of Test cricket for any South African ‘laaitie’. It’s the pinnacle. To go down there and do well is the ultimate achievement.’
Despite conditions not being entirely suitable for spinners, Piedt remains positive.
‘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.’
He added further, ‘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.
