Alderman blasts South Africa's abilities

South Africa's batting in the first tour game was 'shocking' © Getty Images

Terry Alderman, the former Australia fast bowler, has questioned the ability of South Africa's cricketers after they succumbed to an innings defeat against Western Australia on Wednesday.

Alderman, who has also played for Eastern Province in South Africa, was scathing in his comments. "The technique of most of the batsmen was shocking. They played far too many hook and pull shots and those that had to be played with a straight [bat] went down the wrong line," Alderman, now a radio commentator, told News24. "This is not the South African cricket I knew when I played there. The coach's excuses are that the Proteas flew over many time zones and that the players were advised to take things slow for medical reasons."

Questioning the mental toughness of the South Africans after their shocking loss to WA, Alderman was forthright. "Your guys looked totally lost against the spinner Beau Casson. He is just a baby learning the art of spin bowling. The Aussies can use three spinners here against you." Casson, a slow left-arm chinaman bowler, picked up eight wickets in the match. Alderman stated that the only batsman who has the fighting spirit to stand up to Australia was Jacques Kallis, adding: "Graeme Smith is shaky and he talks too much. I think the Aussies will unnerve him".

Alderman did, however, make favourable mention of South Africa's bowling attack. "The bowling attack does not look too bad. Andre Nel has a Colin Croft action, while Charl Langeveldt can fulfil the role of a Matthew Hoggard. He's also the workhorse of the team," he said. "Makhaya Ntini has become a world class bowler after we initially laughed at him when he appeared in the international arena for the first time."

Just when it seemed like Alderman was willing to see the silver lining in the gloom he threw another jibe. ""The weakest link in the bowling attack is Shaun Pollock. He bowls without any speed and I don't believe he will worry the Aussies too much."

The first Test between Australia and South Africa begins at Perth on December 16.