Clarke says halting Kiwi quicks the key

Overcoming the challenge of New Zealand's impressive swing bowling arsenal will be the key to victory in this summer's three-Test series, ex-Australian captain Michael Clarke says.

The Black Caps have arrived in Australia, aiming to win their first Test series on Australian shores since a Richard Hadlee-inspired outfit in 1985.

Clarke says the new ball pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult are the biggest weapons the New Zealanders possess.

Quick single: Black Caps set to swing into action

Since debuting against Australia, in New Zealand's boilover victory at Bellerive Oval in 2011, left-arm quick Boult has claimed 123 scalps at 27.12 in 32 Tests.

In that time, Southee has 107 wickets at 27.58 from 27 Tests including a career-best 7-64 against India in 2012, with New Zealand emerging as one of cricket's major forces.

He says swing-friendly conditions at the Gabba and the WACA Ground in the opening two matches of the Commonwealth Bank Test series will be the biggest challenge Australia's batsmen face.

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Clarke is confident Australia will win what he thinks is going to be a tight series, but it will come down to nullifying the threat of Southee and Boult.

"You think about the first two Test matches - Brisbane and the WACA - they're conducive to some swing bowling," Clarke said at the Our Sporting Future conference on the Gold Coast.

"Particularly early on in the Test match. That'll be a good challenge for our batters."

Clarke is also excited about the battle between the captains.

An unabashed fan of New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum's aggressive leadership, Clarke has also backed successor Steve Smith to shine in his new role.

Clarke says Smith's imperious form over the past two years with the bat means he's in the perfect place to take on a leadership role.

"Smitty will do a good job. He'll lead well, he's at the top of his game at the moment, in really good form and that's a great time for him to take over the captaincy," Clarke said.

"Australian cricket will look forward to some fresh ideas, some fresh faces and Smitty will lead the way there."