Clarke hopes for speedy WACA surface

Michael Clarke wants a fast WACA pitch for next Wednesday's first Test against South Africa even though that type of surface will suit the tourists' line-up. South Africa boast a pace attack of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini but Clarke, the vice-captain, is ready for the onslaught.

"The WACA is hopefully going to be fast and bouncy, so we're in for a bit of pace from both [sets of] fast bowlers," Clarke said in the Herald Sun. The Australians have Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson to counter the South Africans and Clarke said speedy surfaces had brought the team rewards in the past.

"Our success at the Gabba and the WACA, in my brief career, has been very good," he said. "The bowlers will be happy with a bit more pace and bounce, and the captain will be happy with that as well."

Glenn McGrath, who was with Clarke at the SCG on Wednesday to promote breast cancer awareness through his McGrath Foundation, has challenged Steyn, South Africa's major weapon, to produce his best against Australia. "I always thought that was the ultimate test," McGrath said in the Daily Telegraph.

"You are bowling against some of the best batsmen in the world. For a guy who hasn't played against Australia before, you have to get yourself up. It's just about the biggest challenge you get in Test cricket. And he'll have to stay fit."

Australia recovered their winning habit with a 2-0 series victory over New Zealand following the defeat in India. "Coming back from India a little disappointed, and then playing as well as we did against the Kiwis, I think we can take confidence from that series," Clarke said. "I know all the guys are looking forward to the next three Tests."