Final hit-out for Aussies before Test
Australia's cricketers will have their last major training session before the Boxing Day Test with the knowledge they're under pressure to produce a victory after the controversial draw in Perth.
Skipper Ricky Ponting's delayed declaration, after which South Africa survived four sessions for the loss of only five wickets to salvage a draw, was heavily criticised this week.
South Africa's star all-rounder Jacques Kallis has feasted on the declaration debate, saying he hopes the media hype will work in the visitors' favour during the second Test in the three-match series.
Kallis, the world's No.1-ranked batsman, will bat in the nets at the MCG and also on Christmas Day in a late bid to prove he has recovered from the elbow injury which kept him out of the WACA Test.
"It doesn't affect my bowling, only my batting," the all-rounder said, adding that he hoped to do plenty of bowling in the game.
He said selectors had yet to decide on the attack, with swing bowler Charl Langeveldt in danger of losing his place to left-arm spinner Nicky Boje.
"The guys haven't had a proper look at the wicket yet. I think a lot will depend on that," Kallis said.
"They might want to change (the attack). The next few days will determine that."
Kallis fondly recalled his maiden Test hundred, a match-saving century in the drawn Melbourne Test of eight years ago.
"Whatever you do in life, you always ask whether you are good enough, until you actually produce the goods at that level," Kallis said.
"It just made me believe that ... I can play."
Australia's debutant opening batsman Phil Jaques will also be keen to impress in the nets on Christmas Eve, before the team gathers with family members for the traditional Christmas lunch on Sunday.
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