South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has questioned Australia's selection policy, saying it lacks 'clarity'.

Smith, whose side can go top of the world rankings if they beat their rivals in the third test in Sydney, claimed the inclusion of New South Welshman Doug Bollinger in the Australia side is a sign the hosts lack 'clarity' in their selection policy.

Bollinger, who was picked for recent tours of the Caribbean and India on the back of a prolific domestic campaign in 2007-08, will make his long-awaited Test debut at the SCG tomorrow after edging out Tasmanian Ben Hilfenhaus as the replacement for injured spearhead Brett Lee.

While the 27-year-old has earned his place in the starting XI by virtue of a string of strong performances, Smith insisted the inclusion of a second left-arm quick alongside Mitchell Johnson had caught the tourists off guard.

"It did surprise us, I think, having Hilfenhaus in (the squad) in Melbourne and now picking Bollinger here probably shows a little bit of lack of clarity in terms of where they want to go, so that has surprised us," Smith said.

"I know it is his home ground but Hilfenhaus must be feeling a little bit hard done by I guess."

Smith admitted his sides' lack of familiarity with Bollinger, fellow debutant Andrew McDonald, and paceman Peter Siddle - who has just three Tests to his name - presents a unique challenge for his men in Sydney as they look to complete a series whitewash.

"It's not often in world cricket these days that you arrive at a game and don't know too much about the guys you'll be facing with the new ball," he added.

"It takes you back to school and club cricket days where there was no television around.

"But from our perspective, he's (Bollinger) got a great record in domestic cricket, he's obviously had a really good season and as I've said throughout the series, the respect factor's there, you cannot afford to take anyone for granted in Test matches these days."

Smith was, however, quick to seize on Bollinger's exuberant promise to give '150,000 per cent' in his maiden Test match.

"We've got as much information on the guy as possible and we see that any guy that is going to try 150,000 per cent in this game is going to be someone we're going to have to respect," Smith said with a smile.