Dean Elgar says he expects a tough contest against Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead.

The records in South Africa have been in the Aussies’ favour. They have won 10 out of 14 series against South Africa at home. In fact, they have been unbeaten post-isolation winning 10 series and drawing two.

The last time the teams met was in Australia in 2016 and the Proteas emerged victorious with a 2-1 series win.

Elgar, however, prefers a four-match series and wants to start with a blank slate heading into this series which he expects 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, which is nice to us. 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 had two match-winning knocks against Australia. He scored 83 in South Africa’s 231-run in Port Elizabeth in 2014 and scored 127 against Australia in Perth in 2016, which saw the Proteas 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 yours. 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.’