Australia spent the first two days of their preparation in Durban training in nets behind the Kingsmead ground, which are considered far spicier than the wicket that will be used for the Test.
Netting was then rolled onto the field for South Africa's first session on Wednesday afternoon, allowing them to use the pitch the first ODI was played on a fortnight ago.
There is a feeling that pitch will be far more similar to the one the first Test will be played on, with a dryer surface and turning wicket widely expected.
In contrast, the nets out the back of the ground were full of life, to the point where Australia's quicks did not use anything close to new balls given how much they were moving around.
It is understood Australia was offered the chance to train on a different outer pitch earlier in the week, but not the wicket used by the South Africans.
The square was also not able to be used for Australia's session on Wednesday morning due to overnight rain, but was fine by the time the Proteas prepared on it in the afternoon.
South Africa are expected to play two fingerspinners in the series-opening Test, with Simon Harmer to partner Keshav Maharaj.
Maharaj took nine wickets when Australia last played in Durban during the ill-fated tour eight years ago.
Australia will wait until before the toss to name their side, eager to see how much the pitch dries before Friday and how much spin it is likely to take.
Rain is forecast for day two of the Test on Saturday, but otherwise warm conditions in Durban could accelerate the prospect of a spinning wicket.
Coach Andrew McDonald has indicated it would take something "quite compelling" for Australia to go with two spinners with Matt Kuhnemann alongside Nathan Lyon.
They must also decide whether Cooper Connolly or Nic Maddinson comes in for the injured Cameron Green.
Connolly can bowl some spin himself, but Maddinson is a highly regarded player of spin and a turning wicket could play into his favour after almost 10 years out of the Test side.
