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Cape Town - Former Proteas batsman Ashwell Prince has given the Proteas advice on how to prepare for Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson.
Johnson, 32, has been in terrific form of late and was named Man of the Match in both Australia's first two Ashes Test wins against England.
Australia will play three Tests against the Proteas in February next year and Johnson should pose the biggest threat for Graeme Smith's side.
He impressed against South Africa back in the 2008/09 season when he twice broke Smith's hand with vicious bouncers.
Prince, who scored 150 against Australia at Newlands that season, said Johnson seems to have regained the form he showed back then.
"He is a really aggressive bowler and from the bit I've seen from the Tests against England it looks like he's bowling with real venom," Prince told Die Burger's website.
Prince also revealed how to go about preparing to face Johnson, who can bowl at speeds above 150km/h.
"You obviously practice on improving your reaction time.
"When the coaches throw balls at you or feed you bouncers with a tennis racquet, then they do it at a three-quarter length down the pitch. It tests your reflexes.
"But it's almost more mental than physical.
"You have to prepare yourself to survive long spells. You have to absorb, absorb, absorb...
"Johnson gives his all in very short bowling spells. The longer you survive against a bowler like that, the tougher it gets for him to keep bowling that aggressive.
"But if you show any sign of weakness, or he gets a few quick wickets, then he'll just steam in harder and faster," said Prince.
Johnson, 32, has been in terrific form of late and was named Man of the Match in both Australia's first two Ashes Test wins against England.
Australia will play three Tests against the Proteas in February next year and Johnson should pose the biggest threat for Graeme Smith's side.
He impressed against South Africa back in the 2008/09 season when he twice broke Smith's hand with vicious bouncers.
Prince, who scored 150 against Australia at Newlands that season, said Johnson seems to have regained the form he showed back then.
"He is a really aggressive bowler and from the bit I've seen from the Tests against England it looks like he's bowling with real venom," Prince told Die Burger's website.
Prince also revealed how to go about preparing to face Johnson, who can bowl at speeds above 150km/h.
"You obviously practice on improving your reaction time.
"When the coaches throw balls at you or feed you bouncers with a tennis racquet, then they do it at a three-quarter length down the pitch. It tests your reflexes.
"But it's almost more mental than physical.
"You have to prepare yourself to survive long spells. You have to absorb, absorb, absorb...
"Johnson gives his all in very short bowling spells. The longer you survive against a bowler like that, the tougher it gets for him to keep bowling that aggressive.
"But if you show any sign of weakness, or he gets a few quick wickets, then he'll just steam in harder and faster," said Prince.
