Steve Smith: “I think it’s going to be a really exciting series”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia captain Steve Smith has conceded that his side will be pushed to their limits when they travel to South Africa for a four-Test series in March.

Australia will go into the series on a high as they crushed England 4-0 in the Ashes. Furthermore, they have an excellent record in South Africa as they haven’t lost to the Proteas since their readmission to Test cricket in 1991.

Despite this and the fact that South Africa could be without veteran pace bowler Dale Steyn, who is in a race against time to recover from a heel injury, Smith has no intention of underestimating South Africa, especially as they are coming off a 2-1 win against an excellent India side.

“I’ve seen little bits and pieces (of the India series),” Smith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “I think it’s going to be a really exciting series. Two good pace attacks going at it. Batting’s going to be hard work.

“They’ve got some good bowlers and we’re going to have to show some good fight and good resilience out in the middle against their quicks, and (Keshav) Maharaj as well, who’s come a long way as a spinner.”

While India won the third Test in Johannesburg on a pitch that was heavily criticised for being too dangerous, Smith pointed out that should any green wickets be prepared, the Australian pace attack will take full advantage of it.

“They could go a couple of different ways with their wickets,” he said. “For us, it’s just about adapting to whatever they throw at us.

“I guess the thing with Australia and South Africa is the conditions are probably the two most similar around the world. The wickets are generally pretty similar and the pace and bounce. From that aspect it’s (easier to adjust).”