Cricket: South Africa expecting to cop abuse

South Africa captain Graeme Smith said his team is ready to go and he has warned his players to expect abuse from the home crowds in the three-test series.

The first cricket test between the Proteas and Australia gets underway in Perth this afternoon.

"And if it (abuse) doesn't arrive, we'll probably be a little bit surprised", he said.

Smith said he was amused by the fuss which resulted from his comments about Australia's new-look middle-order batting being suspect.

He added he was trying to stay out of the sledging debate, adding he was trying to get under the skins of the Australian players simply by outplaying them in a series he says will contain some "heated moments".

The tourists will also try to take heavy toll of Australia's champion leg-spinner Shane Warne, to prevent him from tying up one end with long, economical spells.

"I think we are going to look to score before defend, in any option. Hopefully we can be positive going into the test match in all aspects," Smith said.

"It's a big test match and big test series. I know a lot of people are going to be getting up early in South Africa to watch us and we'll be taking that support with us on the field."

Meanwhile, South Africa will wait until the last moment before play today to decide if injured all-rounder Jacques Kallis will play.

The world's No 1-ranked batsman has been battling an elbow injury and has been unable to bat in training sessions in the WACA nets this week.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said the home side was expecting Kallis to play, but the 30-year-old will be a major risk if selected.

Kallis, who averages an outstanding 57.07 with the bat, has not picked up a bat in almost a fortnight as he battles a torn left elbow tendon.

Fifth-ranked South Africa lost to Western Australia by an innings in a three-day game last week at the WACA, beat a Chairman's 11 in a one-day match and drew with a modest WA second 11 in another three-day contest at James Oval.

The tourists at least have a ready-made replacement on hand, with Jacques Rudolph showing impressive form on tour, including an unbeaten double century against Western Australia A.

Rudolph could slot in at No 4 if Kallis was ruled out.

- AAP