Rogers and Warner put heads together

Chris Rogers admits he has turned to opening partner David Warner for advice ahead of facing the revered South African pace attack later this month.

This is the 36-year-old's  first trip to South Africa and he has no experience of facing Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander in the Test arena.

Meanwhile, Warner also has limited encounters to call on after playing just the one Test series against the Proteas, scoring a century in Adelaide in the 2012/13 home series.

"He's not as dumb as he seems to be honest," joked Rogers on his younger team-mate. 

"He is actually quite good to talk to about cricket. 

"He has a lot of good ideas and comes from a different perspective, so we've gelled quite well and that has been excellent."

The Australian opening duo have contrasting styles but insist they compliment each other.

"When Davey is playing well it makes it easy for me and I can slip into the slipstream.

"We have our differences but we also get on very well and it's great to see him do well. 

"It helps the Australian side no end so hopefully he can continue his good form through the next month."

The left-hander admits the South African pace attack is another step up from the likes of Broad and Anderson and that personal results in South Africa will be a very proud achievement. 

"I've seen these guys for years bowling on TV and faced a couple of them," he said. 

"I've seen plenty of the vision and at least think I know what they are going to do. 

"I think it's all about adapting once you get out there and playing the conditions and the bowler. 

"I'm looking forward to this challenge and this is as big as it gets and if I do well I can be very proud."

Rogers, who was called up to the Australian squad ahead of the UK-based Ashes series last year, is relishing the opportunity to carry the momentum from the 5-0 Ashes whitewash of England into the three Tests against the Proteas.

"This is another massive challenge for us and we can use the momentum we got from the Ashes to take it into this series. 

"I think there's a really good feel amongst the group and that stemmed from what we did over the summer but we know we've got a few challenges ahead of us.

"If there was ever a time to take on these guys it is now. 

"Hopefully there's a little bit of success personally and also for the team over the next month or so."

The first Test is at the Centurion Ground on February 12.