Smith looks forward to SA pace attack

JOHANNESBURG: A refreshed Australia captain Steve Smith is looking forward to the challenge of taking on South Africa’s fast bowlers in a four-Test series starting in Durban on March 1.

His sentiment may not be shared by the tailenders of both teams, though.When Australia beat England 4-0 in their recent home Ashes series, the tourists’ lower order was blown away by aggressive short-pitched bowling from pace trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

Smith said on Saturday he expected his bowlers to “go down a similar path” in South Africa, even though the hosts have the firepower to hit back through Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel and new find Lungi Ngidi.

“There could be some good short-pitched bowling from both sides, to the batters, to the tail, everyone from both sides,” said Smith.“I think it’s great. I’m excited by it. You love coming up against the best bowlers around the world.

“The batters should be looking forward to this series. You love coming up against good pace. I think it’s going to be a fantastic series for the viewers to watch.”Smith took a break from cricket after a One-Day series against England at the end of January. He said he realised he needed the rest when he didn’t even want to pick up a bat.