Sydney, Dec. 6 : Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has said that his team must take all steps to stop Proteas skipper Graeme Smith from enjoying a run feast during the summer Test series.

Watson believes that he has Smith’s number, having watched and played with him during the Indian Premier League for the Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals.

He is almost a certain inclusion in the Australian squad for the first Test against South Africa in Perth that begins from December 17.

Watson said last night that getting on top of Smith would be the key to Australia winning the blockbuster three-Test series.

"He is the heart and soul of their team and if we can keep him quiet we will go a long way towards winning," news. com. au quoted Watson, as saying.

Watson, who took 7-69 for Queensland against South Australia to enhance his prospects of a Test recall, says the IPL broke down barriers for international players who had previously been bitter rivals.

The frosty relationship between Warne and Smith, who had swapped plenty of barbs while playing for their countries, warmed to the point where they are now friends.

When South Africa were last here in 2005-06, Smith came out with plenty of fighting words but Watson insists he is one of the nice guys of world cricket.

Watson believes his own cricket benefited from spending time with the Proteas skipper. (ANI)