Form-wise, South Africa has won five of its past 10 Tests, with three solid draws. No doubt, the main reason the South Africans are the best Test team in the world is because in their past 10 Tests, they have averaged a whopping 376 in the first innings. You average 376 in the first innings, and you will win most games. If Australia wins this series, it will regain the No.1 ranking. So there is plenty to play for and careers are on the line. This unbelievably strong South African batting line-up is going to test our youthful attack. Trust me when I say this, if the Australian bowlers do not plan well or execute, they will be smashed to all parts of the Gabba. Here are some thoughts on how to get these wonderfully gifted players out. One thing going for Australia is that many of these South Africans have never played a Test at the Gabba. 1 GRAEME SMITH

Smith is just 31 years old and has already made a ton of runs. He will probably finish with over 13,000 runs. Smith is a big ''on-side Harry''. Australia must pitch up and force Smith to drive the ball through the covers. Swinging the ball into him will be like giving candy to a child. The ball must go through waist-high and get him to knick off. Maybe a short mid-wicket could be a good option, similar to what Terry Alderman had for Graham Gooch in 1989. On the mental side, I believe Smith tries too hard against the Australians and that is backed up by his poor numbers against Australia. Smith also possesses a rather sensitive ear to some lip action from the slips. So I would accommodate him with some. 2 ALVIRO PETERSEN Petersen is just starting his Test career and has had great success. He is an aggressive opening bat and a good foil for Smith. He is good off the front and back foot, but does struggle against spin and prefers the ball coming on. I wouldn't be surprised if Michael Clarke played only three quicks and used Nathan Lyon early against him. 3 HASHIM AMLA What a player! He is in awesome form and strong everywhere, particularly through the off-side. His strokeplay through the off side used to be the worst part of his game, but not now. His defence is superb and somehow the Australian bowlers need to push him back and bowl an impeccable length to him. Amla never gets flustered and the Australians must bowl very well early or they will be pounded.

One thing going Australia's way is the bounce in our wickets, which might upset Amla as he hasn't had enough practice on our pitches. He might be a bit underdone. Might … 4 JACQUES KALLIS This guy is now a better player than Garry Sobers - another massive call but his figures support my opinion. Kallis' numbers cannot be ignored any more. Australia is the final frontier he hasn't quite conquered and this will be his last tour here. The bounce on our pitches has upset him in the past, and for him to get the recognition he deserves, he will have to make a big one to win over the fans. Kallis is a fierce competitor. He is a neat freak and pays attention to his equipment and preparation. Australia has got the ball between waist and chin and he hasn't really been comfortable with that length. Kallis is 37 and history tells me not many guys like it short and fast at that age. 5 A.B. DE VILLIERS I am looking forward to how he plays in Australia. He is an unbelievably gifted athlete. He is also brilliant at rugby, hockey and golf. He sings and plays in a band, and is dripping with strokeplay to die for. De Villiers can hit them anywhere and is in good form. Let me tell you that he hasn't missed out of late, with runs in each of his past 10 Tests. With De Villiers' audacious strokeplay, he is a certainty to be a favourite with Australian fans. The bounce again in Australia might be a concern for him. Maybe the Australian bowlers need to pitch the ball at off stump and try to swing the ball away. He doesn't like leaving the ball alone, and might chase one.

6 JACQUES RUDOLPH This gifted left-hander is strong everywhere. He can bat with the tail and can play spin quite well. Rudolph is a good judge of a run and very quick between the wickets. Facing quality quicks will find out if his defence is sound and he might be a bit questionable against James Pattinson or Peter Siddle. Rudolph prefers the off side, but can be good off the back foot. I am a bit concerned that the Australian bowlers have not had enough bowling time in the middle. They will need to bowl very well early to the new batsmen at the crease. Most of these South African thrive on width no matter how fast you bowl. Loading But as it's often said, if the Australian fielders don't take their catches then they will lose no matter how well our attack bowls. Rarely does this South African top order miss out and I can't see this being any different on this tour.

This will be a terrific series with a 1-1 result.