Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt says “the first 20 balls” bowled to Australia’s top-six batsmen will be key during the three-Test series Down Under.

Australia’s top and middle order dominated during the recent two-Test series against the West Indies, which the hosts won 2-0.

SA-born Marnus Labuschagne made scores of 204, 104* and 163; Steve Smith 200*, 20*, nought and 35; Travis Head 99, 175 and 38*; and opener Usman Khawaja 62, 65, 45 and six.

Only David Warner failed to cash in, with scores of five, 48, 21 and 21.

“The key to Australia’s top six is the first 20 balls,” said Langeveldt after the Proteas’ drawn four-day match against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane.

“We have to make them play and Steven doesn’t move a lot. He’s got a good base now and doesn’t move around the crease.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for our boys, and they’ll be up for it, but the key is the first 20 balls. We need to make them play.”

Langeveldt was pleased with his bowlers’ efforts in the warm-up match ahead of the first Test at the Gabba, which starts on Saturday.

“It was brilliant for our boys and our workloads. The guys spent some time on their feet, which is very important, and with the bowlers, the guys did very well.

“The conditions in Brisbane are different as compared to anywhere else in Australia. We bowled fuller and if you bowl short, it may look good, but it won’t give you any rewards.”