Dean Elgar says he expects a tough contest against Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead.
The record between the two Test powerhouses in South Africa has been in the Australians’ favour. The visitors are unbeaten in seven visits, post isolation, where they’ve won five and drawn two.
The last time the teams met was in Australia in 2016. There, the Proteas emerged victorious with a 2-1 series win.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Elgar said he wanted to start the series with a clean slate, and expected it to be a battle between two great Test-playing nations.
‘We are extremely excited for this Test series against the Aussies. It’s always a good battle against them whether we play them home or away, it’s always a great contest,’ said Elgar.
‘We are very much looking forward to the four Tests. It’s nice to have a series that’s longer than three Tests. We very excited and I’m sure that the boys will be ready to go on Thursday.
‘Our previous encounter is a fond memory for us. Having the ability to beat them in Australia is a very encouraging factor for us going into the series knowing that the last time we played each other we had the upper hand.
‘But saying that, it’s a new series and a blank piece of paper starting on Thursday. Anything can happen. Both Test sides have very good records in the last year or two, within the Test cricket arena, which is exciting and I’m sure it’s promising for both sides going into that.’
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Elgar has had two match-winning knocks against Australia. He scored 83 in South Africa’s 231-run win in Port Elizabeth in 2014 and 127 in Perth in 2016, which saw them claim a 177-run victory.
He mentioned how those knocks have given him the belief in his ability.
‘Personally, it’s nice to have gained a bit of experience against various oppositions and just nice knowing that you have contributed in previous series for your side, especially in a winning-series moment,’ said Elgar.
‘It’s nice knowing that you could have the upper hand against the opposition if things go your way. Test cricket is a very fickle format.
‘We know anything can happen on the day and you just have to try your best and prepare hard for this kind of Test series.
‘That’s how I’m going to look at it in the preparation factor. I’m not looking at the past of what happened. I’m also very excited for the series,’ said Elgar.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
