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'It was a great achievement as a team, we became the No.1'

South Africa's ODI and T20 skipper AB de Villiers says the Proteas are relishing the opportunity of defending their World No.1 Test crown for the first time on Australian soil.

"Last time, we came out in 2008, 2009 we had a very good series win. 

"I especially remember the first Test match in Perth, my first hundred in Oz. It was a great achievement as a team, we moved to the No.1 spot in the world then," he said.

South Africa didn't last long at the top

The Proteas shocked Australia last time they toured in 2008/09 with their first series defeat of the home side since re-admission to international cricket in 1991.

That 2-1 victory lifted South Africa to the World No.1 Test team ranking for the first time. But they didn't last long at the top; Australia's return 2-1 victory stripped them of the title.

De Villiers is adamant that the Proteas will stop at nothing to keep their spot at the top of world cricket this time. 

'The pressure is on us'

De Villiers said batting is the one area where South Africa could hold an advantage over Australia. 

South Africa's batting line-up led them to their upset win over then World No.1 England.

"We are number one this time around, the pressure is on us, and we would love to keep the No.1 spot," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.