The Proteas have never lost a series to New Zealand both home and away.

The Black Caps are the reigning World Test Champions, while the Proteas in their turn are a team that are on the rise despite all of the off-field challenges.

One of the key questions for the Proteas will be who bats at number three in the absence of Keegan Petersen.

Rassie van der Dussen said that this Black Caps team will pose a different challenge.

“I am aware of that, but it's not something we've spoken about as a team even though past sides have been successful here.

“It’s definitely a proud record to be a part of. I think it’s a bit different in this series as they are the defending World Test Champions.

“This team of theirs has been really successful over the last two years and they have played a lot of cricket at home.

“They know their conditions really well and they are quite suited to it. It’s definitely a record that we will be looking to defend.”

The 1st Test at the Hagley Oval gets underway at 23:30 tomorrow night.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport