Clarke hails his courageous Aussie veterans

Australian captain Michael Clarke praised the courage and character of some of his under-pressure players after they chased down a target of 310 to share their two-match Test series with South Africa here on Monday.Teenage fast bowler Pat Cummins sealed a dream Test debut when he hit the winning runs to take Australia to a two-wicket win in the second Test at the Wanderers Stadium.The 18-year-old was named man of the match after taking six for 79 in the second innings but Clarke had special praise for Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson, whose futures in the Australian Test team had been questioned.All three shone in what was a record run chase at the Wanderers.The guys who have been under pressure showed courage and their true character, said Clarke.That is what I am most proud of in this Australian team. After a horrible batting performance in (the first Test in) Cape Town we managed a record run chase today in tough conditions.Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson stood up and they deserve a lot of credit for that.Ponting made 62, while Haddin (55) and Johnson (40 not out) shared a crucial seventh wicket stand of 72 off only 80 balls.They were particularly aggressive immediately after tea when they scored 54 in the seven overs that remained before the second new ball was taken, by which time only 34 more runs were needed.On the other side of the coin, he acknowledged the role played by Cummins, who bowled with pace and skill.Hes an amazing talent, no doubt. Its not just his bowling. Ive made it clear to him that I think hes a very good batsman and he needs to work hard at that, and hes an athlete in the field as good as they come, said Clarke.Weve got to be smart now. I dont think its possible for Paddy to play in all three forms of the game and play every single game.We need to make a plan for him. Hes got the potential to be an amazing cricketer for Australia and weve got to look after him.