Dean Elgar knows runs will be a premium in Australia: 'We haven't been good enough with the bat'

Proteas Test skipper Dean Elgar admitted they need to get their batting books in order for their forthcoming Test series against Australia later this month.

Elgar and vice-captain Temba Bavuma are the only batters with Test experience in Australia, with Elgar having scored a 100 in Perth on the 2016 tour.

South Africa only have two Test 100s in the bank this year and both were scored in the same match by Kyle Verreynne (136*) and Sarel Erwee (108) in the second Test against New Zealand in late February and early March.

The Proteas have had a decent Test year despite a lack of 100s, but that caught up with them in the England series where the bowler-friendly conditions and England's experienced attack caught up with them.

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With Australian conditions always showing an element of friendliness through Australia racking up 598/4 against the West Indies on the back of double 100s by Marnus Labuschagne (204) and Steven Smith (200*), Elgar said the batters understood their assignment and how it needed to give their world-class bowling attack a chance.

"Runs on the board are key in Australia, especially with the bowling line-up that we have. We have to allow them to take 20 wickets," Elgar said.

"It's also general Test cricket and if the wickets are good, we really have to cash in. We haven't been good enough with the bat and that speaks for itself.

"I'm not going to shy away from that, and batters have to take responsibility. At the end of the day, it's their careers in their hands.

"They're playing for South Africa and there are a lot of guys who want to play for South Africa who [are] champing at the bit and knocking hard on the door.

"It's