The Proteas are in Brisbane and are preparing for the 1st Test that starts at the Gabba next week.

The two teams will battle it out at the top of the World Test Championship standings with the Australians being number one while the Proteas are in second.

The series will be the first time that South Africa and Australia will battle it out in the longest format of the game since the 2017/18 series which was overshadowed by the now infamous ball tampering incident during the 3rd Test at Newlands in Cape Town.

As a result the Australian captain Steve Smith as well as the batters David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were sent home for their involvement in the scandal.

South Africa went on to win that Test series 4-0.

The Proteas captain, Dean Elgar, said the infamous ball-tampering incident in Cape Town in 2018 is history.

“It was a tough time for all of us, even though we weren't the guys who bore the brunt of the scrutiny,” said Elgar.

“Nonetheless, we were part of that and it was obviously a sad event.

“I personally don't hold any animosity towards the players that were involved (Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft) or Australian cricket. The scenes were unfortunate, but that period has elapsed and we've moved forward as a group.

“I wish things could've been different - the history is so rich when it comes to Tests. The competitive nature is distinct and we both want to go out and win games of cricket our country.

“I'm pretty sure on the field there will always be a bit of spice. The competition has always been rich and we have a deep respect for Australian cricket. Hopefully it's a good spectacle.”

From Friday the Proteas will face a Cricket Australia XI in a four-day warm-up match at the Allan Border Oval.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport