Cricket: Waca will test the batsmen's courage

By RICHARD BOOCK

PERTH - Australia are determined to transform the bouncy characteristics of the Waca pitch into a decisive advantage during the third test.

The bane of many batsmen and the friend of every genuinely quick bowler in world cricket, the Waca has a reputation for causing all sorts of problems for touring teams, especially those who are not bristling with firepower themselves.

Of the 23 result tests so far played at the home of the Western Australian Cricket Association, the hosts have won 16 and the West Indies have inflicted five of their seven losses, further emphasising the pace and bounce of the pitch.

Australian captain Steve Waugh promised yesterday that his side would attempt to fully exploit the liveliness of the wicket, and predicted a wild ride ahead for the New Zealand top-order.

"It's a unique wicket," he said.

"You need to have played a lot out there to feel comfortable batting - it really is a challenge for players who haven't experienced it much before.

"We believe we've got a big advantage. We've got three local players in the side and our pace attack will be well suited to the pitch."

Although the New Zealand middle-order have seen their share of the pitch in the past, openers Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent, and No 3 Mathew Sinclair will be batting on it for the first time in their careers, and will need to adjust swiftly.

Said Waugh: "We'll be looking to do a few things but we don't need to change much from Hobart. The quicks were outstanding down there and if they bowl the same sort of lines the wickets will come."

He suggested the Kiwi top order, and Vincent in particular, could expect to be tested by short balls into the body and at the head, and was unapologetic about the element of self-preservation which was inevitably created.

"That's test cricket. If you can't stand up to the physical stuff then you shouldn't be playing and that's the way it should be.

"The pitch here tests the courage of the batsman. It's bouncy and quick and because of that there's a lot more balls at the body."