South Africa will aim to target Alex Doolan should the Tasmanian remain at first drop for the second Test in Port Elizabeth.

Doolan made a nervy 27 in the first innings and far more fluent 89 in the second dig of Australia’s resounding win at Centurion.

If Shane Watson is passed fit and national selectors decide the allrounder should return to the XI on Thursday, Doolan could potentially be the unlucky one to miss out.

“Selection pending – If I get another chance then it’ll be up to me to make sure I’m improving and working hard to nail down that No.3 spot,” Doolan said shortly before the team flew from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth on Monday.

The squad has two days of training at St George’s Park before the clash begins in conditions expected to be hot and humid.

The pitch is not expected to have anywhere near as much irregular bounce as Centurion,

South Africa vice-captain A.B. de Villiers, speaking after Doolan fell nine runs short of a ton on debut in the first Test, suggested his side wanted to expose the 28-year-old’s lack of international experience.

“He played well. I’m not sure he’s very comfortable at this level yet,” de Villiers said.

“He looks like a good player, but it’s certainly an area we can attack if we do get a bit of confidence and momentum on our side.

“He batted quite well but obviously the pressure is on our side.

“He didn’t feel a lot of pressure in this innings but hopefully along in this series we can exploit a few of the weaknesses in the top order.”