Captain Dean Elgar confirmed at least one change to his side’s batting lineup, but would not confirm who is in or out before Monday’s draw at the MCG.
While Elgar praises his attacking pace as the best in the world, South Africa are not making enough runs to give the bowlers a realistic chance.
He has scored over 400 just once this year, against Bangladesh.
Their troubles were highlighted on the green roof of the Gabba earlier this month when Australia won by six wickets in two days.
“Our preparation in Brisbane was brilliant, we had two weeks where the guys were hitting pretty well,” said the opener, who was ruled out for three and two at the Gabba.
“We had a bit of a hiccup that we had (at) the Gabba. But both batting units had that, except for one batsman (92 from Travis Head for Australia).
“Going back to the drawing board, that was the biggest thing for us and trying to simplify things, make the guys realize certain things that maybe they had forgotten about.
“It was just about giving the guys a little more clarity and clearing their minds, moving on to the next one.”
The absurdly short Test also put a fierce spotlight on Gabba’s wicket, which the International Cricket Council rated as sub-par.
Elgar said MCG’s pitch is holding up well as Melbourne’s weather improves.
“I hope it’s the past and never happens again,” he said of the deck from the first Test.
Despite all of South Africa’s troubles in Brisbane, Australia were 4-35 in their second innings as the tourists’ pace attack tried to make a point.
Elgar was asked if that early collapse was likely to have left mental scars in Australia before the second Test.
“I definitely think so, yes. I’ve always been a great expert on our bowling unit,” he said.
“I always say that I prefer to face them on the networks for a short period of time than face them in the middle, because I know what they can contribute.
“So hopefully those four wickets on day two have created some demons…we’ll see.”
As much as the Australian attack is hailed for its power and depth, Elgar was keen to spur the talents of his own bowlers ahead of Boxing Day.
“Ours is the best in the world,” he said.
“If people want to underestimate them, that’s fine. We believe and have great faith in them, that they can win us a test match in any situation.”
“But we have to put them in that situation, so they can do their job.”
