Contrasting coaching figures Gary Kirsten and Shane Warne have provided external advice for their respective national sides before the Test series decider in Cape Town starts on Saturday.

Kirsten coached India to a one-day World Cup win in 2011 then helped boost South Africa to No.1 in the ICC’s Test rankings, but opted not to renew his contract last year due to family reasons.

Warne, not renowned for his love of coaches, has made it clear this week he joined the Australia squad at the request of good friend Darren Lehmann as a “consultant, not a coach”.

Both figure among their respective countries’ most revered cricketers and both have played an active role in the lead-up to the much-hyped clash at Newlands.

Michael Clarke was full of praise for the impact Warne made in a short space of time on the whole squad.

“One of Warney’s greatest strengths is his experience and knowledge of the game of cricket,” Clarke said.

“I’ve said for a long time that he’s probably the best captain I ever played under.

“He still loves the game. That’s why it’s so good to have him around the group.

“He’ll do whatever it takes to make individual players get the best out of themselves.”

Kirsten is happily retired, but lives in Cape Town and has been a regular at the Proteas’ training sessions this week.

“It’s always nice to have ‘Gazza’ back,” Graeme Smith said of Kirsten.

“He pops in every now and again and he always adds value with his calmness and experience.

“It’s always an asset to have people like him coming into your environment and adding value for the period he’s here.”

Shane Watson has overcome a calf injury and is expected to be recalled for the third Test, which starts at 7.30pm AEDT on Saturday.

If Australia win the clash, it will complete their first Test series win on foreign soil since April 2012.

If the Proteas prevail, it will be their first Test series win against Australia on home soil since the nation’s readmission in 1994.