PERTH (Australia), Dec 15: Australia are worried about losing a Test series at home and are under enormous pressure to perform after the Ashes defeat in England, South African captain Graeme Smith said on Thursday.

Speaking on the eve of the first Test, Smith said his players had taken heart from the Australians reaction to the so-called “war of words” leading up to the match.

“Even our comments, which were light-hearted in the beginning of the series, which were that it was obvious to see their middle-order is inexperienced in international cricket, has created large reaction,” Smith said.

“So that tells us in our mind that they are also scared of losing in Australia. There is massive pressure on them and we have taken heart from that and its certainly given us confidence going forward into the Test match.”

Smith, who was clearly pumped-up for the match, denied his team had taken part in any ‘sledging’ before the Test despite widespread coverage of verbal barbs between the two sides.

“We havent made one comment about sledging,” he said.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he had a good relationship with Smith and did not read anything into the exchanges ahead of the three-Test series.

“Theres been a lot said and built up about about this series already,” Ponting said. “Theres been a few things said about off the field leading into this Test match but I think thats finished now.”

He said it was not his style to criticise opposing teams but added that his team had been motivated by comments from the South African camp.

“Im not one for coming out and making statements about opposition players or anything like that — its just not the way I go about playing cricket,” he said.

“A lot of our players like that and its pretty apparent this week that a lot of the South Africans dont mind it either.

“As far as our players go I think its something that actually motivates them and spurs them on a little bit more.

“If you look at the guys that do it they are generally the guys that put their hand up when things are at their toughest and they are generally rise to the bigger occasions.

“So I think it might be just a little way for them to motivate themselves and put a little bit more pressure on the opposition.”

For South Africa, allrounder Jacques Kallis remains in doubt with a tear to the tendon in his left elbow, but Smith said a decision on his fitness to would rest on his ability to play through the pain.

He said the decision would be made jointly on the morning of the Test by Kallis and medical staff.

“I think it will be a mutual decision on whether he feels he can handle the pain or whether it will be beneficial for him to miss the first game and have him ready for the next two,” he said.

If Kallis is not fit, Smith said batsman Jacques Rudolph would come into the side but conceded that losing the star allrounder would be a big blow.

“From the standards he (Kallis) achieves — (losing) Jacques is always going to be a big blow for any team,” he said.

“Hes up there with the top batters in the world.”

For Australia, Test newcomer and seamer Nathan Bracken will come into the side after impressing during training at the WACA ground this week.

Allrounder and one-day specialist Andrew Symonds will also start after bludgeoning 156, the third highest limited-overs score by an Australian, against New Zealand last week.

“He has got what it takes to be a good Test player,” Ponting said.

Likely teams

Australia: Ricky Ponting (c), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Clark (12th man)

South Africa: Graeme Smith (c), A.B. de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Charle Langeveldt, Jacques Rudolph (12th man).—Agencies