Australia and South Africa will get their three-Test series underway at the Gabba on Saturday, with the number one and two ranked sides in the world playing for pivotal points in the World Test Championship.
Not only that, but the rivalry between the two sides has reached fever pitch in recent years following the controversial 2018 ball tampering scandal.
South Africa have won their last three series down under, but will bring a different-looking side to this year's challenge, while Australia are facing their own questions.
Here are the five players who could decide the series.
Dean Elgar
The South African veteran and captain is vastly experienced and has batted against Australia on 19 occasions.
His efforts against Cricket Australia XI were solid, top scoring with 109 from 186 and 26 from 78. He has scored a century twice against Australia and has scored three half-centuries.
However, his batting average is the second worst against Australia with a 33.55 average. Only against Pakistan does he have a worse average (25.84).
His worst strike rate is against Australia with a 38.59, with his figures even lower when playing Tests in Australia. Elgar has an average of just 23 runs with a strike rate of 37.01. The key is not only his leadership skills for his side but setting the tone with the bat.
Going at a slower strike rate is not a problem if he is there for the long run although he is yet to really do that in Australian conditions. Other international players who have succeeded that way include Cheteshwar Pujara of India who has an average of over 47 runs in Australia playing this very way.
So, the key for Elgar is maintaining that form from the warm-up game, keeping a steady pace and not throwing his wicket away cheaply by edging a shot he doesn't need to play.
1. Steve Smith
South African bowling coach Charl Langeveldt has recently admitted South Africa will look to target Smith and will make him play the ball especially early on in his innings.
With the animosity towards Smith, it is likely Rabada and other pace bowlers will look to bowl short and direct to him. However, Smith loves a challenge and has recently refined his batting technique.
Smith only has a worse batting average against Bangladesh, and averages 41.53 against the Proteas. With the likes of Travis Head, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne all scoring runs recently, Smith will love to get amongst the runs.
How Smith will handle potentially hostile bowling will be a great test of character and ability. How he chooses to play will be a fascinating watch.
The three-match series begins December 17 at 11:20am AEDT.
