Despite the violent thunderstorm that hit Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon, Proteas captain Graeme Smith and coach Mickey Arthur both appeared calm and quietly confident about the task that lay ahead as they set off for a demanding tour of Australia.

South Africa have never won a Test series in Australia, and the last time they beat the world number one team Down Under was in January 1994, when they snatched a thrilling five run victory in the third Test to level the series.

Several South African teams have set off for Australia with high hopes, but have returned with their tails between their legs. When Smith last visited Australia, the home side won the three-Test series 2-0 and then went on to beat South Africa 3-0 in the Proteas' own backyard.

But Smith and Arthur showed no signs of undue nerves when they spoke to the media before their departure, and while they were making no promises, both gave the impression that they believed their time had come.

"This team has come a very long way over the past 18 months," said Arthur.

"We have been through a lot together and we have become a very settled and close-knit unit. The players have all shown great character and I think that character will stand us in good stead in Australia."

He said one of the ways in which the team had matured was that they were better able to deal with off-field incidents.

"Cricket South Africa (CSA) have given us tremendous support and whatever we've wanted in order to succeed, we have been given. I must praise Gerald (Majola, CSA chief executive) in particular. His support has been total," said Arthur.

"It has been that sort of support that has helped us to put the off-field stuff behind us."

Planning ahead

When South Africa toured Australia in 2005/06, there were incidents in which members of the team were subjected to racial insults. Arthur said the Proteas' Logisitics Manager, Goolam Rajah, had visited Australia two weeks ago to see what measures were in place to prevent a repetition, and he had been very satisfied with the outcome of talks he held with Cricket Australia.

Smith and Arthur both downplayed suggestions that Australia were vulnerable after losing world-class players like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.

"They are still the world number one team," said Smith. "They still have world class players and we have great respect for Australia.

"But we have also earned the right to be respected. We have had a lot of success and we are all looking forward to the next challenge. England was a big challenge and this will be too. We want to hit the ground running when we reach Perth, and get off to a good start."

Arthur said the Proteas would have to play at their very best for 15 days.

"Australia haven't lost a home series for 17 years," he said. "They are still a world class outfit, although I think a possible weakness could be the lack of a spinner of international repute. But we will have to play our very best every hour, every session, for each of the 15 days in the three Tests."

The first Test starts at the Waca in Perth on December 17.

Sapa

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