Graeme Smith is confident his 'new generation' of Proteas cricketers can perform well in the Test series against Australia.

Smith is expected to go with his tried and tested line-up that has not lost a series since Sri Lanka in 2006 in Wednesday's first Test and that will include spinner Paul Harris despite being hit for seven sixes by a Western Australia Second XI.

He also expects Australia to do the same with Jason Krejza and while he is concerned about over rates, that won't influence his plans.

"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, but 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 being re-admitted into international cricket in 1991, Smith believes the blend of veterans Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Makhaya Ntini, relatively new players Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and those in between like himself, Neil McKenzie and Ashwell Prince will give the Proteas the perfect mix.

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

"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 non-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 also didn't get 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 are certainly cautious of his ability despite a lack of runs lately.

"Matty is a class player and will be up against Dale, so the proof will be in the pudding," he 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."