'Aggressive' Aussies preach patience to succeed against Proteas

The Australian cricket team, which is known for its aggression in the Test format, is now asking its batsmen and bowlers to patient to succeed in their upcoming three-Test series against South Africa, starting on February 12.

Fast bowler Peter Siddle said a more measured approach had been instrumental in their recent 5-0 thumping of England in Australia.

He said Australian bowlers are bowling a lot better as team and asked them to be more patient with ball.

Number five batsman Steven Smith echoed the sentiments of his teammate, saying patience was a major factor in his own development.

He said patience is something he is going to need against the South African bowlers, as they're very good at what they do.

Smith said he just needs to wait for lose deliveries from Proteas bowlers to capitalize on them, Sport24 reports.

The Australians used short-pitched bowling in the series against England to good effect, and Siddle said it could work against the Proteas.