Smith questions Bollinger call

2 January 2009

Doug Bollinger's presence in the Australia squad took Graeme Smith by surprise

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith claims the inclusion of Doug Bollinger in the Australia side for the third Test in Sydney shows the hosts lack “clarity” in their selection policy.

Bollinger, who was picked for recent tours of the Caribbean and India on the back of a prolific domestic campaign in 2007-08, will make his long-awaited Test debut at the SCG tomorrow after edging out Tasmanian Ben Hilfenhaus as the replacement for injured pace bowler Brett Lee.

While the 27-year-old has earned his place in the starting XI by virtue of a string of strong performances, Smith insisted the inclusion of a second left-arm quick alongside Mitchell Johnson had caught the tourists off guard.

"It did surprise us, I think. Having Hilfenhaus in (the squad) in Melbourne and now picking Bollinger here probably shows a little bit of lack of clarity in terms of where they want to go, so that has surprised us," Smith said.

"I know it is his home ground but Hilfenhaus must be feeling a little bit hard done by, I guess."

Smith admitted his side's lack of familiarity with Bollinger, fellow debutant Andrew McDonald and paceman Peter Siddle, who has played just three Tests, presents a unique challenge as South Africa look to complete a series whitewash and claim top spot in the International Cricket Council Test rankings.

"It's not often in world cricket these days that you arrive at a game and don't know too much about the guys you'll be facing with the new ball," Smith added.

"It takes you back to school and club cricket days where there was no television around.

"But from our perspective, he's (Bollinger) got a great record in domestic cricket, he's obviously had a really good season and, as I've said throughout the series, the respect factor's there - you cannot afford to take anyone for granted in Test matches these days."

Smith, however, was quick to seize on Bollinger's exuberant promise to give “150,000%” in his maiden Test.

"We've got as much information on the guy as possible and we see that any guy that is going to try 150,000% in this game is going to be someone we're going to have to respect," Smith added with a smile.