South Africa's Test series with Bangladesh will be vital preparation for its upcoming tour of Australia, according to Proteas coach Mickey Arthur.
South Africa takes on Bangladesh in the first of two Tests at Bloemfontein on Wednesday after beating the tourists in two one-day internationals.
Bangladesh currently lies bottom of the International Cricket Council rankings and has lost all six Tests it has played against South Africa, most of them in convincing fashion.
Nevertheless, Arthur believes his side can benefit from the series by playing in conditions similar to those that it will experience in Australia, where it is due to tour next month.
"I would like them to be similar to what we can expect in Australia, with a bit of pace and bounce," Arthur told www.supersport.co.za.
"It would be pointless if the bowlers just ran in on green seamers' tracks and knocked them over."
Arthur will be hoping that Hashim Amla can replicate his one-day form in the Test.
Amla starred in the second ODI between the two sides last week when he hit a quickfire 140 in South Africa's 128-run victory.
Captain Graeme Smith hit 65 in his first match since a two-month layoff and will look to get some time in the middle under his belt ahead of the Australia tour.
Dale Steyn is likely to spearhead the Proteas attack after experiencing considerable success against Bangladesh during ODIs.
Bangladesh rounded off preparations for the Tests by drawing a two-day Test with a South African Airways Challenge XI.
Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful believes his side's bowling must improve if it is to challenge the technically superior South Africans.
"Our performance was not at all bad in the practice match," he said.
"We conceded too many runs with the new ball which is not good."
"We need to bowl in the right areas to make sure we are not conceding too many runs in the initial stage which is very important to put pressure on the opposition."
"I hope it will be a much better show all around from our players."
Bangladesh may have to do without premier strike bowler Mashrafe Mortaza, who is struggling with a back injury.
Ashraful said Imrul Kayes could be given his Test debut after impressing in the run-up to the series.
"He (Kayes) looked very good against bowlers like Dale Steyn and Mornie Morkel in the one-day series and made 86 runs in the practice match," said Kayes.
Left-arm seamer Sajedul Islam is likely to start after being called up to replace Syed Rasel, who has been flown home due to a back injury.