Fearless Proteas cheer Smith

Graeme Smith is encouraged by the confident attitude of players such as Dale Steyn

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Captain Graeme Smith is confident South Africa’s “new generation” of cricketers will perform in the Test series against Australia.

Smith is expected to go with a tried and tested line-up that has not lost a series since Sri Lanka in 2006 when the first Test gets under way on Wednesday, with Paul Harris set to play despite being hit for seven sixes in the drawn tour match against a Western Australia second XI.

Smith also believes Australia to do the same with Jason Krejza and, while he is concerned about over-rates, that will not influence his plans in Perth.

"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, but we will have to see what the wicket looks like," Smith said.

"They went with four pacemen against India last time and it didn't really work, so I wouldn't think they'd do that again.

"Over-rates are the banes of captain's lives at the moment but I won't select a team on over-rates.

“It is nice to have a spinner when things get tight. We will think about tactics first and take it from there."

Having never won a series against Australia since their readmission into international cricket in 1991, Smith believes the blend of experienced players in Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Makhaya Ntini, and newcomers such as Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla gives the Proteas the perfect mix.

"Generally we know what it will take to perform well and we are focused on that,” added Smith.

Smith is well aware of the threat posed by Australia opener Matthew Hayden

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“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 have learned a lot of lessons and have a good thought on how to go about it, and the young guys have a no-fear approach in the way they've come in as the new generation of thinkers in South African cricket.

"They are positive cricketers, forward thinking and there's a nice mix in our team environment.

“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."

Smith refused to enter into a war of words with Matthew Hayden over the Australian opener's thoughts on Steyn's lack of success against quality teams, but the South Africans remain cautious of his ability with the bat despite a lack of form.

"Matty is a class player and will be up against Dale, 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.”