Former Australian spearhead Glenn McGrath has exuded confidence that Ricky Ponting's [Images] team would hand out a 3-0 whitewash to the visiting South African team in the upcoming Test series.

"South Africa [Images] is a good, quality team. They have got some class batsmen and bowlers. I still back our boys, my prediction is 3-0," McGrath was quoted as saying in Herald Sun on Thursday.

With South Africa's poor record against the Australians, the Proteas are banking on its fierce pace attack led by Dale Steyn to turn the series in its favour.

"He is a big key for them. Obviously when you are bowling at that pace, and putting that much stress on your body all the time, you have to stay fit and on the park," said McGrath.

"You are bowling against some of the best batsmen in the world. For a guy who hasn't played against Australia [Images] before, you have to get yourself up for that. It's just about the biggest challenge you get in Test cricket, particularly in Australia.

"He is not a tall bowler but he obviously bowls at good pace, gets good reverse swing and will be great for the tail."