South Africa’s top four batsmen - Graeme Smith, Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla and Kallis - all scored centuries in the 2-0 series win over England in July and August.

Amla, who made 482 runs in three Tests, hit the first triple century by an SA batsman with an unbeaten 311 in the opening match at the Oval.

“As a batting unit we have been firing well. It comes down to the guys wanting it, wanting to perform and batting as a group,” Kallis said.

“I know the guys are hungry to do well here. We set ourselves high standards in the UK and hopefully we can continue with those high standards that we set for ourselves.”

Kallis, who has recovered from a bout of flu, said the Proteas would not be clouded by their efforts to retain the top spot in the world Test rankings, Sport24 reports.

The South Africans, facing Australia at the Gabba for the first time since 1963, will hope to emulate their performance the last time they were Down Under.