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Cape Town - Australia captain Steve Smith knows what to expect from the Proteas ahead of next month's ODI series between the sides.
Smith feels that the Australian team needs to adapt to the conditions in South Africa in order to come up on top.
Australia are coming off a dismal performance in Sri Lanka, being whitewashed in the Test series, but then salvaging a 4-1 win in the ODI series.
"Guys need to adapt quickly to the format they are playing, and playing their best cricket in regards to conditions and the difference between us and South Africa," Smith said.
"This is going to be a series where the scores are going to be a little bit higher, particularly when we played against them in the West Indies the last time."
Australia defeated West Indies in the final of the triangular series in the Caribbean in June with the Proteas only managing two wins in their six games.
"You look at the two places in Johannesburg, the ball usually flies. It’s going to be different to the West Indies, particularly when we played South Africa last," Smith added.
The 27-year-old then hinted that because most of the Proteas bowling line-up play in all formats, the Australians might benefit in the long run.
"If we’re looking at the South African bowling attack, they got a few guys that I’m sure will be a part of their Test squad," he said.
"It gives us a chance to play against them and hopefully get into a bit of rhythm, as their batsmen have been similar for a while now.
"We know what they bring to the table and we just got to be up for the challenge - they’re a really good cricket side.
"We are going to have to be at our best to beat them in the summer."
After the five-match ODI series in South Africa, Australia will host the Proteas in a three-match Test series.
Australia tour to South Africa fixtures:
Friday, September 30: 1st ODI, South Africa v Australia, SuperSport Park - 13:30
Sunday, October 2: 2nd ODI, South Africa v Australia, Bidvest Wanderers - 10:00
Wednesday, October 5: 3rd ODI, South Africa v Australia, Kingsmead - 13:30
Sunday, October 9: 4th ODI, South Africa v Australia, St. George’s Park - 10:00
Wednesday, October 12: 5th ODI, South Africa v Australia, Newlands - 13:30
