Aussie newcomers under pressure

South Africa captain Graeme Smith plans to put extra pressure on Australia’s newcomers in the second Test starting on Friday after his side’s comprehensive defeat in the first Test. Australia won the first game in the three-match series by 162 runs,with debutants Marcus North,Ben Hilfenhaus and Phillip Hughes all playing prominent roles. “We’ve now got a lot more footage on the new guys and we’ve done as much planning and technical work,if not more,than for any other series,” Smith said.

“We can exploit their inexperience,but only if we play to our potential,stick to our disciplines and sustain the pressure from ball one to the end. We allowed them just to play the way they know in Johannesburg and we need to somehow create some doubt in their minds.”

Australia rallied after a shaky start to score 466 in their first innings in Johannesburg then dismissed South Africa for 220. Captain Ricky Ponting said his side knew South Africa would have done their homework after the first test defeat. Australia will make a decision on the fitness of pace bowlers Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle after practice on Thursday,with both carrying minor niggles. If either are unable to play,leg-spinner Bryce McGain could press for a place.