Doolan ready for Proteas pace bowling might

Tasmania's Alex Doolan,who has been selected for the three-Test series against world No.1, South Africa, has said he is ready to face the mighty Proteas pace bowling attack of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.

Doolan can draw considerable confidence from the 161 not out he made against the Proteas in a tour game early last season, though he said a warm-up match is a long way removed from facing them in a Test match in their backyard.

He said he knows a little bit about Proteas now having batted against them, and added that there are positives from that innings.

Doolan is the latest Launceston product on the Australian scene, following in the footsteps of David Boon, Ricky Ponting, George Bailey and James Faulkner.

He also counts Tim Coyle and former Test opener Ed Cowan among the greatest influences on his career, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Tasmania coach Dan Marsh and predecessor Coyle say Doolan looks like Test material when he is on a song.