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Cape Town - Dean Elgar says he has cemented his spot as the Proteas opening batsman and is hungry to contribute more for his national team.
Elgar struck one of his finest knocks in the first innings in the first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin to finish on a career best score of 140 off 299 balls.
He later described his seventh Test ton as one of the toughest days of his career.
The 29-year-old then produced a knock of 89 off 289 balls (nine fours), as the first Test was drawn after the fifth day was abandoned due to bad weather.
Elgar, who picked up the man-of-the-match award, told media that hard work had seen him cement his spot as the Proteas opening batsman.
"It hasn't been easy, don't get me wrong," said Elgar in Dunedin on Sunday.
"It's a position that I've always wanted to fulfil and you're determined to do that.
"I'd like to see it as mine now.
"I know a lot can happen, but I'd like to think from what I've done so far that it's my position."
Elgar made significant gains in the ICC Test batting rankings after the first Test and leaped 10 spots to reach a career-best 11th ranking - just seven points behind team-mate AB de Villiers.
"I'm lucky I've had a few past experiences where I've actually started well and I've taken off," said Elgar.
"So I have a few reference points and I've got Faf, who's really on my case a lot lately.
"So it's definitely something mentally that I have to zone in and focus on a little bit more.
"I think the biggest thing is to remain and keep the hunger. If you stop looking at your game and start looking at what the team needs that's going to be a focus point from now on.
"We still have two massive Tests and a big factor for me will be looking to try and contribute."
