South Africa coach Micky Arthur revealed that besides meticulous planning that did the trick against Australia, an official document was also signed by the players guaranteeing success against Ricky Ponting's men in the ongoing three-Test series.
South Africa clinched the Test series after winning the first two matches and Arthur on Monday said that he had given ultimatum to the boys to either perform or perish.
As part of the brainstorming session that took place before the team left for Down Under, the top six batsman were made to sign a pact wherein they pledged to put up at least 300 runs between them in every innings and the bowlers likewise signed another document promising to take 20 wickets in each Test.
"The top six batsmen needed to know they were responsible for the runs. If they cocked up, we were bowled out for 120," Arthur said.
"We got them in together as a group and made them responsible for scoring 300 runs. They made that pledge themselves and actually signed off on a document to that effect," he was quoted as saying in 'The Daily Telegraph'.
Arthur also said that he wanted South Africa to fight fire with fire.
"We wanted batters walking out to the middle, hitting the ball and playing, challenging the opposition. We wanted to give the guys the freedom to know that when they're facing Nathan Hauritz in his debut Test, they can go down the wicket and hit him over the top and they are not going to get into trouble."
SA players signed pact to succeed Down Under
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