Australian cricket coach Mickey Arthur has foreshadowed a torrid pace showdown in the upcoming series against South Africa, but says it will give some of his top six the opportunity to forge a long Test career.

The Proteas will unleash a pace attack including Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander in the Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in November and early December.

Australia also boast a strong contingent of speedsters as they lock horns with the No.1-ranked Proteas, who recently deposed England from top spot.

Experienced quartet Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson will vie for spots with rising stars James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Emerging top-order batsmen Ed Cowan and David Warner are set to face the stiffest test yet of their international credentials.

“It’s definitely the two best pace attacks in the world going head to head,” Arthur said in Sydney on Tuesday.

“It’s going to be about the batters – it’s going to be about which top six can adapt better and which top six is going to be more consistent over a three-Test series.

“I think both top sixes are in for a real baptism of fire and it’s going to be a real good opportunity for some of our top six especially to test themselves against two really world-class bowlers.

“If they come out on top after that, they can look forward to a really good, long Test career.

National selector John Inverarity said Australia had the option of picking four fast bowlers and fast-medium allrounder Shane Watson for the opening Test in Brisbane on November 9 and rely on captain Michael Clarke to provide some spin.

He said they would also consider going with three quicks, Watson and a specialist spinner, who he suggested would be Nathan Lyon.

Inverarity said both Matthew Wade and Brad Haddin remained in contention for the wicketkeeping spot in what loomed as the selectors’ most difficult decision.