- Proteas Test captain Dean Elgar said home advantage may still work for them despite India's recent traveling excellence.
- The teams meet in the first of three Tests that starts at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday.
- Elgar also hinted at Keshav Maharaj getting a start for the Test.
India may be one of the better touring sides in world cricket, but Proteas opening batter and Test captain Dean Elgar feels his side still holds the advantage ahead of Sunday's first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
India have been successful in England and Australia over the past 12 months and will look collect their first-ever Test series in South Africa.
South Africa's recent Test record at home, however, hasn't been worth writing home about, but as an opener who generally has to deal with the good and the bad that SA pitches serve up, Elgar does have a well-informed point of reference.
"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."
The recent La Nina-induced rain on the Highveld may immediately force selection panels to lean towards a pace-heavy attack.
Without giving an idea of how the match-day 11 will look, Elgar extolled Keshav Maharaj's virtues for the team and the significant role he could play in Centurion.
Elgar, who plays his domestic cricket at SuperSport Park for the Titans, also highlighted the much-changed nature of the ground's strip.
"I'm still a fan of playing a spinner and I think Keshav has performed a wonderful job for the team," Elgar said.
"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.
"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.
"His ability to adapt isn't something we can ignore."
Play on Sunday starts at 10:00.