Johannesburg - Former Proteas paceman Allan Donald believes that Graeme Smith is too strong a captain to let his side get overconfident in the upcoming Test series against Australia.

The Test series begins on Thursday and Donald, writing in his column in Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Sondag, is certain that the Proteas will start as favourites but worries about the expectations that the team will have to entertain from the South African fans.

"South Africa will shoot themselves in the foot if they are overconfident and arrogant against Australia," Donald wrote in Sondag," I don't think that Graeme Smith will allow that of his team.

"The biggest thing that they have to be worried about is the expectations of the South African public. The public will start to expect that the Proteas must win in every game. The players will start to feel the pressure and I really hope we won’t be too relaxed."

Donald called on Smith's side to improve 5-10 percent on their Australian performance to ensure they add the South African series to their victory in Australia.

"I really hope we don't play testosterone cricket. The Proteas need to give nothing less than the same intensity and discipline as what they did in Australia. We need to keep our feet on the ground. Australia are still looking for answers with the team that they brought to the country.

They will play positive and try and take control of the game. The fact that they are away from home will also reduce the pressure on them.

"Matthew Hayden was one of the problems in their team but now they have the young Phillip Hughes in his place. He will certainly be Dale Steyn's target in the test but the way I know the Aussies, they will relish the challenge."

Donald also believes that Smith is the key to South Africa's success. "All respect to Johan Botha, but if Smith doesn't play, then this is definitely a different team. I could see that in the one-day series."