Australia to take six fast bowlers to manage heavy workload in South Africa

Australian selectors are all set to name a squad of up to 15 players for the three-Test series against the Proteas, which will include as many as six fast bowlers to cope with the demands of heavy workloads and short duration between Tests.

Australia's tour of South Africa begins on February 12 at Centurion and will contain three Test matches to be played in only 22 days.

Australia party will not include a reserve wicketkeeper, but will instead be taking extra bowler for the series.

Ashes winning trio Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle are to be joined by at least two and possibly three other fast bowlers, with James Faulkner and James Pattinson all but certain and Nathan Coulter-Nile is the leading candidate for the additional spot if Australia opts for 15 players rather than 14.

Plans are also being finalised for members of the squad not involved in Australia's one-day campaign against England to turn out in the Futures League for state second-XI teams later this month, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Australian officials expect to manage the workload as there are three days between the first and second Tests, and four between the second and third.