Australia captain Michael Clarke is encouraged by the domestic form of the seven Test squad members making their way to South Africa for the two-match series.
Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris will touch down in Johannesburg fresh from a career-best Sheffield Shield haul of 7 for 60 against Tasmania.
Harris bowled nearly 35 overs for the match and the injury-hampered quick is happy with his fitness leading into the Tests.
The 32-year-old will lead Australia's attack against the Proteas' experienced batting line-up, and Clarke believes there are positive signs.
"I'm stoked that Ryano's done well, I look forward to seeing all the Test boys," said Clarke of the seven players who will link with the remainder of the squad already in South Africa on Saturday.
"It's nice to see some of the guys make runs and take wickets in preparation for this Test series."
Usman Khawaja looks set to be left out for the first Test in Cape Town, but he has done his selection chances no harm with consecutive centuries for New South Wales in the one-day and Shield competitions
Opening batsman Phil Hughes has been another big performer at state level, consolidating his 126 in the last Test in Sri Lanka with scores of 96 in a one-day match and 61 in the Shield for the Blues in the past fortnight.
With Harris and Mitchell Johnson near certainties for two of the fast-bowling selections, it is a dog fight between the three other candidates - Peter Siddle, Trent Copeland and Pat Cummins.
Copeland is the steady option and Cummins the exciting rookie, but Siddle might be firming after snaring seven wickets in two matches for Victoria to go with the four-wicket haul he took when brought in for the third Test in Sri Lanka.
Michael Beer has been in decent form with eight wickets from his three most recent state matches, as he prepares to challenge incumbent spinner Nathan Lyon.
"We've got some experience in the team no doubt, but we've got plenty of youngsters as well so I think our mix is spot-on at the moment and we want to try and grow and improve as a team," Clarke said.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, south-africa First posted October 28, 2011 14:03:18
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