Proteas skipper Graeme Smith is happy with the mix of his side going into the first Test against Australia at the WACA on Wednesday and believes the blend of experienced campaigners and youthful talent will serve them well on tour.

The South Africans have not won a series in Australia since re-admission and Smith himself has struggled against the Aussies in their own backyard, but he is adamant that lessons have been learnt.

“Generally we know what it will take to perform well and we are focused on that," Smith told Sportal.

"We've got rid of the other issues that irritated us in the past and we've focused on being physically and mentally ready. We are giving ourselves the best chance of performing well.

"The guys that have been here (in Australia) have learned a lot of lessons and have a good thought on how to go about it, and the young guys have a non-fear approach in the way they've come in as the new generation of thinkers in South African cricket."

Smith said that the current Proteas squad enjoyed a positive atmosphere and pointed to the side’s recent results as proof of the team moving forward. The Proteas have not lost a series in 2008 and became the first SA team to win in England.

"They are positive cricketers, forward thinking and there's a nice mix in our team environment," Smith said. "Everyone is pushing each other for better results and we've proven that with our results over the last year and a half. Nobody can argue with that and this is another challenge where we have to play good cricket."

And while the WACA pitch historically favours the seam bowlers, Smith admitted that it was unlikely the Proteas would leave out spinner Paul Harris for the opening Test.

"I would tend to say no [about leaving out Harris] if I'm being honest and that we will probably stick with our usual XI," Smith said, "but we will have to see what the wicket looks like."

Much of the talk ahead of the series has been centred around SA seamer Dale Steyn — the leading wicket-taker in Tests this year — but while many are anticipating a glut of wickets for the young quick, Australian opener Matthew Hayden has warned South Africa not to get ahead of themselves.

Smith, meanwhile, is looking forward to the Steyn/Hayden contest.

"Matty (Hayden) is a class player and will be up against Dale (Steyn), so the proof will be in the pudding," Smith said. "Dale's recent stats speak for themselves and he's not the type of guy who will shy away, and Matty isn't either. I'm excited to watch that battle also.

"He's a key batter in their line-up and gives the rest of their order a lot of impetus and has a good aura about him. He's quite an imposing figure and adds a lot of value, so if we can keep him under pressure and not allow him to score runs it's a bonus for us."


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