From page 48 players try to rattle their cage, the more they betray their own self doubts. Even Adam Gilchrist, the calm, sensible vice-captain, got it embarrassingly wrong before the Test started. “Every time we play against South Africa it is regarded as the world championship,” he said, promisingly. “There is a lot riding on this series but there is probably more pressure on South Africa. “Were the number one side in the world at the moment and they have to beat us,” he concluded, very stupidly indeed. Actually, a draw would be ample to give South Africa the title with several hundredths of a point to spare. The pressure has, in fact, been extremely obviously on the home side and their attempts to huff and puff their opponents into oblique surrender before a ball is bowled are drawing no public response whatsoever but a goodly supply of mirth and satisfaction privately.
“You never make big statements or bold predictions in this game,” said South African coach Graham Ford before the tour, “because if you do they tend to come back and bite you on the bum.” “Do you enjoy batting with Herschelle Gibbs? Does it allow you to play your natural game?” Kirsten was asked by a different journalist. “What you mean blocking the shit out of it?” Kirsten replied to belly laughs all round. What was this? Unbothered by the traditional psychological games the Aussies play so well and now humour? Bloody humour!? The locals were struggling. The last time South Africa played in Adelaide they drew, largely because Mark Waugh was given not out after breaking his stumps evading a Shaun Pollock bouncer. If followers of karma can be believed, then justice will be done. The wheel turns. And even if it hasnt turned full circle yet, it has been worth the entrance already just watching the Australians getting into a lather about South Africas refusal to bring their verbal bucket and spade to the party so far.
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