South Africa swot up on Alex Doolan

South African captain Graeme Smith says his side have extensively studied Alex Doolan who is slated to debut at first drop for Australia in the first Test.

South Africa have done their homework on Alex Doolan in the expectation the Tasmanian will make his Test debut on Wednesday.

Doolan is set to bat at first drop and receive his first baggy green when South Africa's three-Test series against Australia starts at Centurion.

Proteas skipper Graeme Smith says his team won't be in the dark about the elegant batsman with a first-class average of 37.92.

"We saw some video the other day. We played against him in an 'A' game in Sydney before the past tour," Smith said, in reference to the SCG tour match in 2012 when Doolan made 161 not out.

"We got to pick up a bit of information on camera which we've spent a bit of time with.

"We're prepared for all outcomes in terms of their selection.

"We've had a number of successes against a lot of the players we'll be playing against over the next three Test matches, so we've got some good reference points, good tactical points."

Smith, who suggested a week ago that his side had to "sift through a lot of the bull - dot, dot, dot" when they play Australia, was more conservative in his pre-match media conference.

"I think the Aussies have been good for ticket sales, and newspaper sales ... but it's been business as usual from us, really," he said.

"We see a lot more questions about it in press conferences but, behind the scenes, it's been really focused."


2 min read

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Source: AAP


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