Facing South African pace attack will be 'big step up' for Australia, says Steve Smith

Australia registered a massive win over visitors West Indies in the second Test match as they beat the latter by 419 runs at the Adelaide Oval. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith has opined that the side is excited for the forthcoming red-ball series against South Africa.

Smith stated that the quality of South African pace attack will prove to be a ‘big step up’ for the Aussies while speaking at the post-match press conference following the massive win over the Windies.

“It's been a good series (against West Indies) for us. We have played good cricket and hopefully we can take that into South Africa. It's a big step up. They have a quality pace attack, some experience there. It makes for a good series, all the boys are really excited for it. Sometimes when you're facing faster bowlers, that can be easier to score than when you are facing 130 and nibbling them around,” said Smith as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“I think that's the key to any attack, is having that variety so you're never getting into a real rhythm as a batter. South Africa provide that, they have (Anrich) Nortje bowling 150, (Kagiso) Rabada 140 to 150 bowling slightly different. And then a left-armer in (Marco) Jansen as well and then a spinner in (Keshav) Maharaj. So, it will be a good challenge. And hopefully we can continue how we have started the summer,” added Smith.

My record isn't quite as good against them: Steve Smith

Smith further made an honest admission over his form against the Proteas stating that his record has not been ‘quite as good’. He has scored 623 runs in 17 innings at an average of 41.53 with one century and three half-centuries against the rival side.

"South Africa are probably the one team that have bowled well to me. My record isn't quite as good against them as some of the others. Some of the bowlers I will come up against I have come up against previously. I am really looking forward to the series like everyone else. Hopefully I can get into a nice groove and contribute and score some runs. I feel in a good place, I feel like I am batting nicely. I feel in good rhythm and I am looking forward to it. Focus can now completely go to South Africa and I can't wait," concluded Smith.