Tait’s bouncer: I’m ready for a hit-out

Australian pace sensation Shaun Tait was all game for the clash against world number one South Africa, saying any pre-match talk of him being a “weak link” doesn’t perturb him.

Australian pace sensation Shaun Tait was all game for the clash against world number one South Africa, saying any pre-match talk of him being a “weak link” doesn’t perturb him.

“I couldn’t care less what Daryll Cullinan or others have to say for me. To be honest it doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t know him,” said Tait of former South African batsman Cullinan who described Tait as the weak link in Australia’s attack.

“I suppose being the young bloke in the side coming up there’s no reason why they shouldn’t target me but I am looking forward to the match,” said Tait of Australia’s last group A match on Saturday.

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The 24-year-old South Australian pace sensation has taken over from spearhead Brett Lee, who had to pull out of the World Cup because of an injured ankle. Tait, who managed 2-45 against Scotland and 1-29 against the Netherlands, thinks bowling to South Africa batsmen would be a challenge.

“It should be a good hit-out, two of the better sides in the competition and they have powerful batting line-ups. I suppose our fast bowlers and spinners have really got to be on the ball. It should be cracking game and everyone is waiting for it.”

Tait believed giving him the new ball was justified. “I think it is more important when the new batsman comes in, in general, and if we get a couple of early quick wickets, (Glenn) McGrath comes on.”

“The batsman is at his weakest early on, especially if it’s reversing a bit it’s quite hard to pick up on these tracks so it’s quite a good time to bring me on. I hope to do the same job Lee used to do,” said Tait of dismissing South African captain Graeme Smith early.

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Tait said it would be important to learn from recent mistakes.

“We saw what happened when we were a little bit off in New Zealand and South Africa has got a powerful batting line-up,” said Tait of the matches in New Zealand last month when Australia lost 3-0 and failed to defend big totals.

Tait refused to be drawn in predicting the outcome of the South Africa match. “I think the Australian team has had the ability to do that (beating any team) for the past 10 years, to put doubt in the opposition’s minds and some of the guys’ presence around the field, as well.