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Inspired of Proteas' glorious past against India, Dean Elgar looks to stop 'best side in the world'

Mayank Kumar

South Africa skipper Dean Elgar is aware of the challenges his side are up against come the home Test series against India but he is not losing his sleep over their dream run in the format and their stature as a side in the last few years.

Moreover, he has taken comfort in South Africa’s unbeaten record against them at home and said that playing in their own backyard gives them a competitive advantage.

"I think it's pretty even-Stevens and playing at home gives us a slight advantage," Elgar said. They're the number one-ranked side in the world and we can't look past that. They've been there for quite a while and you have to give them credit for that. They are the best side in the world and there's a ranking system for a reason, but playing in our backyard gives us the upper hand,” Elgar said.

There have been reports about the pace-friendly pitch at Centurion for the first Test but Elgar is not dismissive of the strengths and offerings that the left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj brings to the table. 

Elgar recognised the versatility of Maharaj and said that the spinner is quite capable of performing a dual role of both container and wicket-taker based on match situations and nature of the pitch and backed him to play an important role in helping South Africa.

"I'm still a fan of playing a spinner and I think Keshav has performed a wonderful job for the team. He deserves his spot in the Test side and also the conditions here have actually changed and turned for the spinners. It is my home-ground and we don't have to worry about the ball not turning on the first three days,” Elgar said.

“We have to set the game up for the last two days where one hopes the wicket will deteriorate and the spinner comes into play. Kesh has shown he can attack and contain and when the right time allows him, he can be a strike bowler.”

South Africa cricket has been mired in various off-field controversies and Elgar would hope his players will rally around him to start off the series on a promising note. They have an indomitable record at SuperSport Park in Centurion and Elgar would hope their dominance over both India and at the venue will remain intact after the end of the series.

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