Proteas pacers will pose tough challenge to Australia: Clarke

Melbourne, Aug 1 (ANI): Australia captain Michael Clarke expects South Africa's pace attack to pose a tough challenge to his side this summer.

The trio of pacers, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel, have been widely lauded following South Africa's massive first Test win over England at the Oval last week.

South Africa play Tests on the pace-friendly wickets of the Gabba and the WACA Ground this summer, and Clarke is aware of the challenge that will await his batsmen.

"It'll be as fast as you'll face in world cricket in those conditions. Fast and bouncy. You've got to combat it, that's part of playing international cricket," Clarke said.

But rather than cower in fear, Clarke has challenged his own fast bowling stocks to out-perform their vaunted opponents to ensure Australia can continue its quest to regain the world's No.1 ranking, The AAP reports.

"I don't really care what their team is doing, to be honest. I care that we're doing exactly what we did against India. Our bowlers in general are taking 20 wickets and our batters are putting lots of runs on the board," he said.

With the South Africa series to be followed by a visit from Sri Lanka and then an away series against India before back-to-back Ashes campaigns, Clarke said the next two years would be as big as they get in his captaincy. (ANI)