Cape Town - Proteas Test captain Graeme Smith is not fazed by the big-talking Australians ahead of their Test series in South Africa next month.
The Aussies are cock-a-hoop following their 5-0 Ashes demolition of England, and believe they have what it takes to down the No 1-ranked Test team in their own backyard.
Batsman David Warner on Tuesday claimed that the Proteas will head into the series "on the back foot" while captain Michael Clarke and fast bowler Peter Siddle both said Australia's bowling line-up is better than South Africa's.
But Smith, in an interview with Die Burger's website, said they will instead focus on their preparation for the series.
"Australia have a good bowling line-up and played good cricket (against England).
"But I don't think our guys will get involved (in a war-of-words). We just want a normal build-up to the Test series.
"You also know that when you play against Australia and England, that their media will always exaggerate things. We're used to it by now."
The first of three Tests start at Centurion on February 12.
The Aussies are cock-a-hoop following their 5-0 Ashes demolition of England, and believe they have what it takes to down the No 1-ranked Test team in their own backyard.
Batsman David Warner on Tuesday claimed that the Proteas will head into the series "on the back foot" while captain Michael Clarke and fast bowler Peter Siddle both said Australia's bowling line-up is better than South Africa's.
But Smith, in an interview with Die Burger's website, said they will instead focus on their preparation for the series.
"Australia have a good bowling line-up and played good cricket (against England).
"But I don't think our guys will get involved (in a war-of-words). We just want a normal build-up to the Test series.
"You also know that when you play against Australia and England, that their media will always exaggerate things. We're used to it by now."
The first of three Tests start at Centurion on February 12.