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Cape Town - They may have a poor home Test series record against Australia, but if history is anything to go by, then the Proteas should start the three-Test series well.
South Africa's last home Test series victory over Australia was way back in the 1969/70 season when Ali Bacher's charges won 4-0.
However, since South Africa's re-admission in the 1991/92 season, the Proteas have hosted Australia in six Test series, with the visitors winning four and two being drawn.
But the Centurion venue for the first Test bears largely fond memories for the South Africans.
According to the Beeld website, the Proteas have won 14 out of 18 Tests since the first one was played there in 1995. They lost only once - to England in 2000 - and played to three draws against the same opponents.
All other countries to visit the ground have lost to South Africa, including the Australians - who lost the only Test they played there by eight wickets in 1997 - a game in which Shane Warne bowled 36 overs without taking a wicket.
Another worrying aspect for the visitors should be the fact that the Proteas' last five wins at the ground were won by an innings.
New Zealand were beaten by an innings and 57 runs in 2007, Bangladesh by a innings and 48 runs in 2008, India by an innings and 25 runs in 2010, Sri Lanka by an innings and 81 runs in 2011 and Pakistan by an innings and 18 runs last year.
The first of three Tests starts from 10:30 at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.
South Africa's last home Test series victory over Australia was way back in the 1969/70 season when Ali Bacher's charges won 4-0.
However, since South Africa's re-admission in the 1991/92 season, the Proteas have hosted Australia in six Test series, with the visitors winning four and two being drawn.
But the Centurion venue for the first Test bears largely fond memories for the South Africans.
According to the Beeld website, the Proteas have won 14 out of 18 Tests since the first one was played there in 1995. They lost only once - to England in 2000 - and played to three draws against the same opponents.
All other countries to visit the ground have lost to South Africa, including the Australians - who lost the only Test they played there by eight wickets in 1997 - a game in which Shane Warne bowled 36 overs without taking a wicket.
Another worrying aspect for the visitors should be the fact that the Proteas' last five wins at the ground were won by an innings.
New Zealand were beaten by an innings and 57 runs in 2007, Bangladesh by a innings and 48 runs in 2008, India by an innings and 25 runs in 2010, Sri Lanka by an innings and 81 runs in 2011 and Pakistan by an innings and 18 runs last year.
The first of three Tests starts from 10:30 at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.
