Graeme Smith warned England that South Africa team were determined to take the hosts' number one ranking in Test cricket away from them.
If the Proteas win the upcoming three-match series, they will replace England at the summit of the International Cricket Council's standings.
South Africa captain Smith, speaking on the eve of the first Test, which starts at the Oval here on Thursday, said his side's strong away record made them genuine contenders.
"We've been really consistent," said Smith.
"Maybe we haven't got some of the victories we would have liked but away from home our record speaks for itself. In all conditions I think it's fair to say that we've been the most consistent team over a period of time.
"We're looking forward to getting hold of that ranking and performing well. This Test series offers us an opportunity."
England captain Andrew Strauss acknowledged the home team faced "a very strong challenge".
He said: "South Africa are a very fine side. They've proved that over the last couple of years and they'll be determined to knock us off our perch.
"It will be a good gauge for us. The rankings say we are number one and we have to go out and prove it."
Smith insisted he believed South Africa were well prepared despite only playing one two-day game and a three-day match before the Test series, both of which were rain-affected.
"I know it's been a topic of discussion but I think there's a real feeling of contentment and clarity in the squad. We've had more preparation time than on most of our tours. We're at a point where we want to be."
If the Proteas win the upcoming three-match series, they will replace England at the summit of the International Cricket Council's standings.
South Africa captain Smith, speaking on the eve of the first Test, which starts at the Oval here on Thursday, said his side's strong away record made them genuine contenders.
"We've been really consistent," said Smith.
"Maybe we haven't got some of the victories we would have liked but away from home our record speaks for itself. In all conditions I think it's fair to say that we've been the most consistent team over a period of time.
"We're looking forward to getting hold of that ranking and performing well. This Test series offers us an opportunity."
England captain Andrew Strauss acknowledged the home team faced "a very strong challenge".
He said: "South Africa are a very fine side. They've proved that over the last couple of years and they'll be determined to knock us off our perch.
"It will be a good gauge for us. The rankings say we are number one and we have to go out and prove it."
Smith insisted he believed South Africa were well prepared despite only playing one two-day game and a three-day match before the Test series, both of which were rain-affected.
"I know it's been a topic of discussion but I think there's a real feeling of contentment and clarity in the squad. We've had more preparation time than on most of our tours. We're at a point where we want to be."
