Action aplenty promised at the Wanderers
Peter English
25-Feb-2013
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Something always seems to happen in Johannesburg, writes Peter Lalor in the Australian, as he looks at the venue for the first Test between Australia and South Africa.
Johannesburg has a reputation as one of the crime capitals of the world, and its famous bullring stadium, the Wanderers, provides no refuge for the timid cricketer. Something always seems to happen here. Good and bad ...
It's a heaving, threatening ground when it's full. The stands rise straight up above the field of play and fans perch above the players. The hill area in front of the low-level dressing rooms provides plenty of opportunity for the locals to say what they think to visitors. Even Steve Waugh says the place is "imposing".
Michael Clarke has his critics, but he tells Will Swanton in the Sydney Morning Herald the comments no longer bug him.
"If I'm praised or if I'm criticised, it's my job to try to keep going," Clarke said. "I'm paid to play cricket for Australia, and I take that seriously.”
In the Age Peter Roebuck writes that in theory the Australians do not have a snowflake's chance in hell of beating South Africa.
Stuart Clark isn’t on the tour, but is keeping busy studying, writes Tom Smithies in the Daily Telegraph.
Peter English is former Australasia editor of ESPNcricinfo