Australia really tough place to play cricket, but rewarding too if one can get things right: Elgar

BRISBANE: On the eve of playing their first Test against Australia at The Gabba, South Africa captain Dean Elgar has described the opportunity to play in the country as 'surreal' and a 'privilege'.

Australia and South Africa will begin their three-match series at Brisbane on Saturday with the visitors hoping to build on their outstanding red-ball record in the country where they have won their last three series.

"(It takes) a lot of courage (to win in Australia). You have to have the mindset of playing to win. It's kind of something that I've been speaking at length about within our group, within our squad."

"Australia's a really tough place to play cricket but it's also such a rewarding place to play if you can get things right. You've got to take your opportunities and that kind of ties in with general Test cricket around the world."

"Playing Test cricket in Australia is such a privilege and you've got to go beyond what you're used to. You have to actually savour the moment, it's massive, and the legacy and history of South African cricket and Australian cricket are so rich. And we're just another talented group that can achieve something great in the future," he said in the pre-match press conference.

South Africa have little experience playing at the famous Gabba - the only time they played there post-isolation was in 2012 when they drew with the hosts. That inexperience there is a good thing, according to Elgar, under whom South Africa are currently in second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) tally. IANS

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