Tait draws inspiration from Johnson

Shaun Tait has looked to his fellow fast bowler Mitchell Johnson for inspiration as he continues his return to international cricket while trying to minimise the stress on his body. Tait walked away from the game last January and this month made his ODI and Twenty20 return for Australia.

However, he has battled serious shoulder, elbow and hamstring injuries over the years and his physically demanding action and the effort to maintain his speed is a concern for his longevity. He was rested for Australia's most recent one-day game, against South Africa in Hobart on Sunday and it continued his off-and-on season.

South Australia have this summer taken the unusual step of allowing Tait to nominate which matches he feels capable of playing. Since he suffered hamstring tendonitis in a one-day game seven weeks ago, Tait has been careful not to overload himself.

"If I had my way I would like to play every game, but my body is just not able to do that," Tait told the Advertiser. "This management I have gone through with the torn hamstring has paid off in the end.

"You have to be a bit careful, though. If you have a good relationship with your support staff then you can talk to them, tell them how you feel and you can manage the situation."

Tait will be joined in the remainder of the ODI series by Johnson, who was rested for the opening games. He said Johnson was a good man to look up to, given how he had handled the rigours of international cricket, both physically and mentally.

"You sort of got the feeling people were not sure about his ability or if he was up to it," Tait said. "I think he has answered all those questions with his batting and fielding as well. He is the perfect package. Mitchell has done brilliantly, bowled a lot of overs. He is pretty important to Australia at the moment.

"Mitchell is 27 and learning the ropes of international cricket now. I am 25, feel like I have played a lot of cricket and been through a lot, but obviously have a number of years left as well. They say that from 27 to 29 you are at your peak."