MELBOURNE - Australia are seeking to put aside the disappointment and criticism associated with their first test loss to South Africa as they continue preparing for the Boxing Day test at the MCG.
Australia have never come back from 1-0 down to win a three-test series.
But senior
batsman Mike Hussey said they could not afford to think about the difficulty of the situation, or critical comments made about players and selections in the wake of the first test defeat.
"All these sort of things can't help, thinking about being one down or thinking about criticism. They're only going to cloud our minds when we go into the next test match," Hussey said.
"We've got to come in with a really clear mind, not be affected by any of these clouds that can come into your mind.
"The way that we can get back into this test series and level it at one-all is by keeping a real clear mind, playing real hard disciplined test cricket for long periods of time and you can't do that if you've got other things going on in your mind."
Hussey said, if anything, the result of the Waca test would "galvanise" the team.
"But as I said before I don't think we can try harder, I don't think we should put more pressure on ourselves," he said.
"We've just got to come out and play a good brand of Australian test cricket and I know if we can do that for long, long periods of time I know we will be successful."
The main selection query for the Australians revolves around their underperforming bowling attack.
Off spinner Nathan Hauritz is pushing for a recall and swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus seeking to make his test debut, after both were added to the 13-man squad.
South Africa are hoping to strengthen their side, with vice-captain Ashwell Prince some chance of returning from a thumb injury.
He was due to bat in the nets today to test his recovery.
While Australia trained at the MCG yesterday, the Proteas had a rest day as they sought to refresh themselves after the series opener.
- AAP
