South Africa skipper Graeme Smith feels Australia's feared on-field 'sledging' will not be the same without spinner Shane Warne in their ranks. The Proteas are looking for a first series win Down Under, and Australia look vulnerable despite bouncing back from their series defeat in India with a comprehensive victory over New Zealand. Smith was put to the sword last time he took South Africa to Australia, when they lost 2-0 back in 2005-2006. But ahead of the three-Test series he believes the absence of Warne could well make life for his batting line-up that little bit easier. He said: "The real positive attitude, the forward thinking, the aggression, the positiveness that he brought to the Australian team was huge. It's hard to replace that sort of guy. His ability to pick up wickets, his ability to change the game. "Also to get into other people's psyche. He was very good at that. "From our perspective it's obviously nice just to see him at a barbecue." Smith is confident his side will be able to give as good as they get against Ricky Ponting's battle-hardened Aussies on the pitch when they square up at the WACA on December 17. "Things will pick up as the build-up goes towards the first Test. I'm sure there'll be a few things flying each way. "But I just think there's a general really good respect for each other and the ability of both teams. Most of it is going to be played out in the middle and pretty tough. "If it does happen it will be things that happen along the way. I'm comfortable with the team that I've got with me and people around me and that makes a big difference."
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