SPORTS

Tait recalls 2008 Perth Test nightmare

Source:PTI
January 11, 2012 10:43 IST

Former Australian paceman Shaun Tait has warned the hosts against going in with four quicks in the third Test against India in Perth, saying that it is not a good idea to go with an all-pace attack even on a green-top wicket like WACA.

Tait was a part of the attack when Australia chose to field four pacers at WACA the last time around against India and went on to lose the match by 72 runs.

"Not after my experience," Tait said, after returning match figures of 0-92 from 21 overs in an attack that also featured Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Stuart Clark.

Australia lead the ongoing series 2-0 with the third Test due to start on Friday.

"Even if I was bowling well in that Test, I'm not sure I would've bowled that much anyway. You just felt like, if everyone else was tired, Ricky [Ponting] would chuck me the ball. If you've got three quicks, a part-timer and a spinner, I think you're fine," Tait said revealing the physical and emotional exhaustion he suffered during that match.

He also recalled his subsequent decision to walk away from the game, unsure of playing again.

"It's hard to remember everything that was going through my head but, for a long time before that, it had been building up. I was sick of cricket, basically. Sick of injuries all the time. I know everyone goes through it, but everyone is different as well," Tait was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

"When that game came up, I wasn't enjoying training or being around the cricket team. I was worried about my fitness. I played that Test with a tear in my hamstring and made it worse. I remember being fatigued and trying to run in to bowl, and I wasn't getting any power in my legs...I just didn't want to be out there."

Source: PTI
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