Steve Smith has ordered his charges to have more presence on the field as he leads one of the quietest Australian teams to take on South Africa in many years.
After humiliating whitewashes against Sri Lanka and the Proteas, Smith's side gets the chance to atone for those foreign failures when the first Test begins in Perth on Thursday.
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Smith wants Aussie aggro
Australia test captain Steve Smith says he wants his teammates to play aggressive cricket this summer, but it's up to them to decide how best they create their strong presence on the pitch.
The spotlight has been cast on the on-field demeanour of the side but instead of cries of "ugly Australians" they are now being accused of not talking enough by former captain Steve Waugh and retired speedster Mitchell Johnson.
Post-apartheid South African teams have grown accustomed to copping a verbal barrage from the men in the baggy green but it's unlikely Faf du Plessis' charges will face as hostile a reception.
Gloveman Peter Nevill and the cordon of Adam Voges, Smith and Shaun Marsh all prefer the silent treatment when it comes to the opposition.
It's in stark contrast to the days when Ian Healy, Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting chirped away behind the wicket. Or even the spiteful series two years ago when du Plessis likened Australia to "a pack of dogs" and captain Michael Clarke upset Dale Steyn with a sledge that still grates the South African speedster.
While David Warner believes Australia's "intimidation factor" was a key part of that success, Smith believes his team can menace the Proteas without firing barbs.
"For me, that's not my cup of tea it's just about making sure my body language is right and looking like I'm on top of them, I guess," Smith said.
![Captains Steve Smith and Faf du Plessis ahead of the first Test between Australia and South Africa which begins on ...](/web/20161104125216im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/i/z/e/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsgazb.png/1478069662208.jpg)
"I guess that's what I'm after from the team, and it's not necessarily about sledging or anything like that.
"It's about making sure that each individual can get the best out of themselves and have a presence about them.
![Body language: Steve Smith won't be resorting to verbal barbs to get under the South Africans' skin.](/web/20161104125216im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/j/1/8/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsgazb.png/1478069662208.jpg)
"Everyone does it differently, for someone it might be about getting into a verbal contest with a bowler to get themselves going.
"For me I don't like to say a great deal, it's more about making sure that my body language is right and I'm puffing my chest out and looking like I'm out there and I own the place.
"It's about each individual knowing what gets them going, and when they do that it's going to be best for the team as well.
"I've been working on that and hopefully we can see some good presence from the Australian team this summer."
The Proteas are not expecting Smith's team to be as vocal as their predecessors.
"When you play against them, they are probably the most verbal team in the world but that doesn't mean it's bad or good â it's just their style of play," du Plessis said. "I think personalities does determine how you play in that sort of space."
Veteran paceman Peter Siddle will make his return to the Test side after nearly nine months out due to ankle surgery and stress fractures in his back.
The Victorian's experience edged him over the line ahead of the uncapped Joe Mennie, who will have to wait until next week in Hobart to push for a Test debut.
Australia are banking on Siddle's steadiness to support "big guns" Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Smith is unsure how the once lightning fast WACA pitch will play but wants a surface offering more life than last year's controversial flat track.
Curator Matt Page said he was working towards restoring the WACA to its past glories.
"Our biggest issue is our consistency, they're not consistently quick. That's what we're working towards to make sure it happens," Page said.