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Michael Clarke says Australia’s recent 2-0 series win over New Zealand has put the team firmly back on track ahead of the opening Test against South Africa at the WACA next Wednesday.
The Proteas arrived in Perth this week on the back of two comfortable victories against lowly Bangladesh and have been predictably bullish about their chances of a first Test series win in Australia.
The much-vaunted pace attack of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini have been tipped to prosper on a Perth track that is likely to be fast with plenty of carry, but Clarke said these conditions will suit Australia.
“The WACA is going to be very fast and bouncy and I think we will be in for a bit of pace from the quicks from both sides,” said Clarke.
“Australia has been very successful on wickets that have bounce and carry and some pace and our record at the WACA and Gabba, where the wickets have been very fast, over the years has been very good.”
Clarke is expecting a difficult series from a side that have their eyes on usurping Australia as the No.1 team in the world.
“I have no idea what their preparations have been like but they can take some confidence from a series win and they will be keen and fired up for Australia,” he said.
With the disappointment of the 2-0 series defeat in India now firmly behind them, vice-captain Clarke said the convincing performances against New Zealand had restored the players’ belief.
“I think we can take a lot of confidence from the series and continue from where we left off in Adelaide,” he said.
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