Jaco van der Merwe - Beeld

Johannesburg – Australia are banking on solid performances from their rookies in the forthcoming Test series against South Africa.

That is the word from batting star Mike Hussey, who believes the contributions by the inexperienced players will be critical if the Aussies are going to make up for their recent series defeats at home.

Hussey is one of only six players in Australia’s squad that has played more than 10 tests. The other eight - Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Andrew McDonald, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phil Hughes, Marcus North and Bryce McGain – have played only 10 tests between them.

Hughes, Hilfenhaus, North and McGain may all make their Test debuts at the Wanderers on Thursday.

“The new players are not being excused from performing well just because they are inexperienced. Their role is just as important as that of the rest of us and we’re not expecting less from them,” said Hussey.

“It’s going to require a greater team effort to beat South Africa and all the players have to make a contribution. I’m also guilty of not performing well enough against South Africa in Australia and would like to change that.

“Even the new guys in our squad have a few seasons of domestic cricket behind them.

“I’m not anticipating growing pains. We’re still getting to know one another off the field, but everybody knows their role in the team.”

Hussey was impressed with Hughes’ performance in the warm-up games against the Presidents XI in Potchefstroom.

The 20-year-olf left-hander, who has to fill Matthew Hayden’s big boots, scored a spectacular half-century in the Aussies’ second innings.

“I had not seen much of Phil prior to the game and was really impressed by his performance. He lives for cricket and batting is his passion,” said Hussey.

“North is also new in the national team, but has been performing well for Western Australia for a long time and deserves his chance. He slotted in easily with the side and is calm.”

While the selectors have some tough decisions to make today about the line-up for the first Test, Hussey sidestepped questions about the composition of the side.

There is a major possibility that Australia will not pick a specialist spinner.

“Ricky Ponting (captain) and the selectors have to decide on the team. I’m just concentrating on my own preparation. The previous time we played at the Wanderers, conditions suited the pace bowlers,” he said.