Tait 'couldn't care less' about weak link jibe

Shaun Tait has shrugged off suggestions he is the weak link in Australia's attack and remains keen to take the new ball against South Africa on Saturday. Tait said he had no interest in Daryll Cullinan's comments that South Africa would target him for early runs.

"I couldn't care less what Daryll Cullinan or others have to say for me," Tait told AFP. "To be honest it doesn't bother me at all. I don't know him.

"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." Tait had limited impact in Australia's opening two World Cup matches, taking 2 for 45 against Scotland and 1 for 29 against Netherlands.

He said he was disappointed by his pace so far in the Caribbean but was looking forward to challenging South Africa with the new ball. "Hopefully there will be some really quick spells coming up," he said.

"I've been a little bit disappointed but I suppose the different conditions, pretty hot and dry and a flat wicket, it's probably not the ideal place to be bowling high 150s. I think it is more important [for me to bowl] when the new batsman comes in, in general, and if we get a couple of early quick wickets, [Glenn] McGrath comes on."

Tait said he wanted to remove Graeme Smith cheaply in the same way Brett Lee has in several ODIs. "[Batsmen are at their] 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," he said. "I hope to do the same job Lee used to do."

Australia and South Africa each have two wins from two games. The winner of Saturday's clash will take two points through to the Super Eights.