Dean Elgar: “It’s always a good battle against them whether we play them home or away, it’s always a great contest”
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South Africa opener Dean Elgar is looking forward to the four-Test series against Australia, which begins on Thursday in Durban, as he expects it to be a “good battle” and a “great contest”.
In their last home series against Australia, the Proteas were beaten 2-1. However, they bounced back to beat the Baggy Greens by the same margin when they travelled Down Under in 2016.
With the two aforementioned series both consisting of three Tests, Elgar admitted that he is glad the upcoming clash will be comprised of four Tests.
“We are extremely excited for this Test series against the Aussies,” he was quoted as saying by sacricketmag.com. “It’s always a good battle against them whether we play them home or away, it’s always a great contest.
“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.”
Elgar has fared well against Australia in the past as he scored 83 against them in the second Test in Port Elizabeth in 2014, and 127 in the first Test in Perth in 2016.
“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,” Elgar said. “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.”