South Africa bounced back from poor results that opened their past two Test series and are capable of doing it again, according to captain Graeme Smith.

The world No.1 Test team were humbled by Australia in Centurion, going down by 281 runs.

Smith’s men risk losing their first Test series since 2009 if they’re unable to at least force a draw in the second Test that starts on Thursday in Port Elizabeth.

Smith admitted his side were comprehensively outplayed by the visitors.

He and coach Russell Domingo have just four days to sort out the side’s batting, bowling and fielding woes that were exposed in the first Test.

The Proteas were held to a draw in their first Test against India at home last year, and were belted by seven wickets in the first clash of a two-Test away series against Pakistan in October.

They turned things around quickly and posted follow-up victories in both cases, and Smith pointed to the UAE series as proof of the side’s self-belief.

“We’ve had a lot of success; we’ve also faced a lot of tough times,” he said.

“We lost the first Test match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi not so long ago and had the ability to bounce back.

“We were comprehensively beaten over the last four days and we’ve got to be man enough to admit to that and make no excuses.

“We’ve got to find a way to respond.”

Smith suggested his side would benefit from the jarring loss, inflicted largely by Mitchell Johnson’s career-best haul of 12-127.

“This side has a lot of confidence,” Smith said.

“Even though it’s been very disappointing, this game will benefit us going into the next game.

“Our bowlers have got good time in their legs and hopefully will be at a lot higher intensity in the next game.

“From a batting perspective, we’ve got some good things to talk about.”