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Oz try own 'scratching' methods

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Ryan Harris (Gallo)
Ryan Harris (Gallo)

Cape Town - Australia's bowlers have come up with a desperate plan ahead of the final cricket Test against South Africa starting at Newlands on Saturday.

Seamer Ryan Harris told Die Burger's website they scratched cricket balls against a cement wall in an attempt to gain more reverse swing.

The South African attack found greater reverse swing in last week's Test in Port Elizabeth, especially on Day 4 when the Aussies collapsed from 126/0 to 216 all out.

Dale Steyn, who took 4-55, looked unplayable at times as the Proteas won by 231 runs to level the three-Test series at 1-1.

The method may not help their bowlers get more reverse swing during the match, but gave their batsmen some proper preparation.

"The balls probably swung more than what it would during the game. It is, however, good preparation for the batsmen, because if you can connect with those ones, then you won't struggle in the games," said Harris.

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