A day out with the Aussies

Bowling at Australia's batsmen when they are trying to hit the cover off the ball wouldn't be top of most people's wish list, but for the net bowlers at Newlands it was an unforgettable experience.

The Australians offered them encouragement as they steamed in on a warm spring day. "Well bowled, mate," said Brad Hogg to a young quick bowler. "That would have been a good one in a match." Michael Clarke even had time to offer some advice to a bowler about his wrist position.

One of the youngsters, Gershwin from the University of the Western Cape, was later hand-picked by Shane Watson to come and bowl at him after the Australian allrounder had shifted between nets. "I want the guy in the South African top," said Watson. What did it feel like to be beckoned over by an international player? "Pretty good," said Gershwin, who continued to bowl at a brisk pace to Watson.

"We got the call to come and bowl at the Aussies," he added, "and it's been great fun. They all looked pretty good today."

Watson, though, appeared to be having a struggle with himself, constantly showing frustration at his stroke play. He picked up a hamstring injury shortly before the World Twenty20 and had to delay his flight to South Africa so he is short of match practice. He was given an imaginary field to bat against by Andrew Symonds. "Mid-off is up, fine-leg is back and the keeper is standing back," said Symonds.

When Watson connected the ball flew miles out of the nets, but he didn't seem to be enjoying the experience and slammed his bat on the ground after being bowled while trying to slog-sweep. But what matters is how he performs in the middle and, with Ricky Ponting injured, his chance could come against Sri Lanka. If he makes runs, he might be hunting down Gershwin to say thanks.