Going to Australia as favourites exciting - Smith

South Africa is going to Australia with their recently earned No. 1 Test ranking at stake and Graeme Smith knows that Australia is never an easy place to tour. He talks to Neil Manthorp in the Supersport.

"But for all the supposed 'decline' of Australian cricket, and their failure to dominate as they once did, they are still an imposing force. Their series win against India was imposing, to say the least, and their array of young fast bowlers was eye-catching, to say the least, so I am under no illusions about the challenge which lies ahead.

"To go to Australia for the first time with an expectation from home to do well, rather than just a hope, is something I am very proud of. It is something the whole team can be proud of."