When former Test opener Justin Langer opens his mouth you would be advised to listen carefully, whether you're a member of the Australian team or even one of the Proteas.
The gritty Langer, now 45, played 105 Test matches for his country from 1993-2007 and formed one of the great opening partnerships with fellow lefty Matthew Hayden (1994-2009).
Langer, who is Australia's acting coach on this tour of the West Indies, scored 23 centuries and compiled 7 696 runs at an average of 45.27, which is certainly more than decent for an opening batsman at the highest level.
The Western Australian yesterday reflected on the tour to date and his comments would have been of interest to all the South African and Australian participants in today’s match (7pm SA time) at the Warner Stadium in St Kitts.
Langer’s critical remarks about his own players in their defeat against the Proteas in Guyana would have relevance for South African batsmen in their defeat against the West Indies.
“We weren't as patient as we needed to be.
“I said before the game that if it takes 50 overs to get the runs then we must allow for that.
“We've talked about adapting to the conditions, we've talked about partnerships and looking after each other and we didn't do any of those things particularly well the other night.”
Langer said all international players had to adapt their game to take into account different situations.
“The great players adapt to different environments, conditions, oppositions and formats,” he said.
Langer said he expected the conditions at St Kitts to be subtly different to the low, slow, turning pitches in Guyana.
“Look, there's not much grass on it, so it's hardly the first day's play at the Gabba,” he quipped.
“It’s typical of what we see in the West Indies, but it feels harder than the surface in Guyana, so it might skid on a bit faster for the quicks.
“And, judging by the nets weve played in, it doesn’t feel like the ball will turn as much.”
Langer also noted that the short straight boundary at St Kitts would be a ‘temptation’ for all the batsmen.
The Aussie coach also complimented the Proteas’ left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who showed up promisingly on his debut against them in Guyana.
“I read a headline that said: The South African Hoggie (Brad Hogg) and he’s got the same sort of energy.
“I know from experience how beneficial it is to have someone like Hoggie in your team.
“We’ll take a little time to get used to him (Shamsi), as we did with Paul Adams, but when we do we'll hopefully play him like the left-arm chinaman bowler he is.”
Langer said he may continue to choose two spinners (Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa) for St Kitts, and it’s likely that Proteas’ head coach Russell Domingo and selection convener Linda Zondi will have to choose one of Aaron Phangiso and Shamsi to accompany Imran Tahir, with all-rounder Chris Morris returning.
As for the batting, the fit-again Faf du Plessis should naturally fill the gap left by the injured Rilee Rossouw, but if he's not ready, Rossouw’s replacement, Dean Elgar, will do the job.
Possible Proteas XI: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (capt), JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, C Kagiso Rabada, Aaron Phangiso, Imran Tahir - Saturday Star