The Klerksdorp-born batter is one of the star performers with the willow for the Baggy Greens, and while he has also already represented the team in 30 Tests.

Labuschagne said while he is fully Australian now, the Test series will be on that is close to his heart.

“Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Greame Smith, AB de Villiers – as a young kid growing up in South Africa, you look up to these guys.

“Then coming to Australia, and really diving into the Australian culture, looking up to the likes of Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey Michael Clarke – I remember getting a V900 bat because Michael Clarke had one.

“As your career evolves you just grow and grow to liking to different players, it doesn't matter the country.

“My family have adopted Australia as their home and they support me, they support the Australian cricket team.

“But I certainly think it's exciting what this Test holds because it is a little bit closer to my heart because it's the country where I grew up and where I spent 10 years of my life.”

The 1st Test at the Gabba in Brisbane gets underway at 2:20 on Saturday morning.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport