Johannesburg – Proteas spinner, Robin Peterson, has prepared for both the best and worst case scenarios ahead of the first Test against Australia starting at SuperSport Park, in Centurion, on Wednesday.
Peterson is aware that the management may opt for an all-seam attack depending on conditions, and said he would make sure he has his game-plans in order if selected to play.
The venue is traditionally a seam friendly ground, but that has not deterred the left-armer.
“When you play in South Africa you get accustomed to the wicket not turning; it's nothing new,” said Peterson after the squad's lengthy training session in Centurion, on Sunday.
“You have to set clever fields and try to create pressure with your field placings.
“By doing that, the batters can become frustrated, whether or not the wicket is turning, so you have a chance, that is what I have learnt from playing in South Africa and playing on wickets that aren't too spin friendly.”
Peterson's inclusion as the lone spinner in the squad is an indication of the important role he has to play and the value he has to offer, with coach Russell Domingo describing the 34-year-old as one of the mentally toughest cricketers he has worked with.
“I try hard in every game of cricket that I play,” said Peterson.
“Whether that is seen as me being mentally tough or rubs the opposition up the wrong way, I like to try my best and challenge myself.
“I just try to enjoy my cricket and to play it hard. That's the way we grew up playing our cricket.”
Peterson said he expected the opposition to target him, especially as the often under-rated cog of a Proteas line-up, lauded for its pace.
“When you bowl behind the number one and number two bowlers in the world ... I don't think eyes will light up when Morne Morkel comes on to bowl, it's probably when the poor spinner comes on,” said Peterson.
“It's nothing new when playing for South Africa for the opposition to target me.
“I have had reasonable success when people have tried to target me. I have to be smart about the way I go about my things, I can't control what the opposition want to do; it's entirely up to them.” – Sapa