South Africa captain Dean Elgar says there is no baggage and no mental scars within his team about playing at the Gabba as none of the current squad have played Test cricket in Brisbane.
It was a sense of optimism that the Proteas are preparing for the first Test that starts on Saturday against an Australian side that has lost just once in a Test at the venue in the past 34 years.
"We don't have any dirty laundry when it comes to playing at the Gabba because as a group we haven't played here," he said.
"We have got a young group, and an experienced group, and the fact we haven't played here might work in our favour.
"It is almost like a surreal moment for us. We have been here two weeks and have been salivating for this moment."
Elgar was a member of the 2012 and 2016 winning touring party and knows what it takes to succeed in Australia.
The 35-year-old left-hander, with 4971 runs in his 79 Tests, is old school and stoic in his approach. He intends to lead from the front.
"It is time for myself personally to put my hand up...and make a massive play for us, he said.
Elgar said he had settled on the starting XI but would not reveal it until Saturday.
He reiterated the importance of taking 20 wickets in the match.
Pace bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje could all play alongside spinner Keshav Maharaj.
"Our strength is our bowlers so you have to give them the resources to take twenty Test wickets," he said.
"I am pro four fast bowlers and a spinner. Keshav has been an amazing asset. When he's played we have had really good success so I think the balance is maybe the six (batters) and five (bowlers) option.
"The seven and four option is not off the table ... but we've got to use our big fast bowlers."
Jansen, 22, could prove vital as a bowling allrounder if Elgar goes with just the six batters.
"He is definitely an all-rounder for us in the future and if he does everything well he can be an allrounder for the next ten years for us. I am very confident with his ability," Elgar said.
"I see a lot more than the media and the public see,."
As for the pitch, Elgar grinned and said it was as green as the artificial grass he was standing on while speaking to the media.
"The green colour doesn't scare us.
"We know this is one of the wickets that if you can get in (while batting) you can really capitalise, and from a bowling point of view there is a length you have to hit and get rich rewards.
"The wicket does look friendly for our bowling unit, which is nice."
