We are prepared for Australian changes - Amla

Hashim Amla, the South Africa batsman, says his side are prepared for anything Australia do as a reaction to their loss at Newlands, during which Australia were bowled out for their lowest total in over 100 years. Pat Cummins, Australia's 18-year-old fast bowler, is being tipped to play on Thursday at the Wanderers, which would make him Australia's second-youngest Test debutant. That will surprise some in the cricketing world, who are used to Australia grooming players before putting them on the international stage, but Amla said South Africa would be ready for any changes.

"One of the things we are trying to do is to prepare so we are not surprised by whatever happens," Amla said in Johannesburg, where South Africa regrouped on Monday after a weekend off. "We've gone through their bowlers, and if Cummins plays, we've played against him in the one-dayers so it won't be a massive surprise to us."

Cummins impressed with his control, pace and variation in the limited-overs matches, but was benched in favour of a more experienced attack for the first Test. Australia now have concerns in the bowling department, with Mitchell Johnson, who has an impressive record in South Africa, and Peter Siddle, taking just a wicket apiece in the first Test.

Australia's shocking collapse to 47 all out on the second day at Newlands has raised questions about how they will recover. But Amla does not think Australia will struggle to pick themselves up. "Matches like that probably happen once in every 500 Tests. I don't think they will read too much into it, although it has maybe dented their confidence a little bit. They've got quality players - guys that have played probably three times as many Tests as I have - to bring sanity back if they have had a flutter."

Amla said the Newlands Test, which lasted three days and saw a remarkable 23 wickets fall on the second day, took its toll on both sides. "Because it was very short, it did take a lot out of the players emotionally. We had two unexpected days off, which was a nice surprise. We were on the right side of that game but the guys are looking forward to the next one."

The Wanderers Test, according to Amla, will likely be decided on which batsmen have settled into good patterns in the early season. "Every batsman has it. Some people call it rhythm, some call it form. I find batting rhythm very important.

"The key to batting is partnerships, no matter who is scoring. Even if someone is finding it difficult to score and isn't getting runs, it doesn't matter as long as the partnership is building. At the Wanderers, if we can build partnerships it will be the key to a successful batting performance."

On a Newlands pitch on which most batsmen struggled, Amla and Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, both scored centuries in the successful chase of 236. Amla said having the captain in form was important for the team, who bank on their experienced players to pull them out of tricky spots. "We've got Jacques [Kallis], Bouch [Mark Boucher] and Graeme. When things are tough and situations are a bit out of the ordinary, they rally around and give the team a lot more direction."