Rassie admits big tons will be necessary to upstage buoyant Kiwis in home fortress

Proteas middle-order batter Rassie van der Dussen acknowledged that they need to convert their 50s into 100s if they want to beat World Test champions New Zealand at home in the upcoming Test series. 

South Africa overcame a very strong Indian bowling challenge to come back from 1-0 down to win the Test series 2-1.

However, they did so without an individual batter recording a Test ton. The highest individual score by a South African in the Test series was Dean Elgar's 96* that helped level the series by virtue of winning the second Test by seven wickets.

Van der Dussen didn't make a 50 in the series, but made crucial fourth innings contributions in both wins.

The 32-year-old said the tough nature of South Africa's pitches wasn't an excuse for them not being able to convert, but showcased their batting ability.

Christchurch's Hagley Oval will be the host of the two Tests, with the first one starting on Thursday as SA make their first Test visit to the city since 1999.

"If you look at the past two to three years and it's not something I'm using as an excuse, but batting in South Africa has been difficult," Van der Dussen said.

"The nature of the pitches has been tricky, but I feel we have been up to the task. We beat the number one side in the world in those conditions.

"Milestones and 100s are there and they're definitely measurables, but when you look at the past series and how a guy like KP batter, his scores were worth 100-plus on easier pitches."

South Africa's current top-order is also short of Test tons, with only captain Dean Elgar having more than five while vice-captain Temba Bavuma has had struggles in converting his multitude of 50s into a second Test ton.

Van der Dussen acknowledged that batters in the longest format