Graeme Smith is confident runs are around the corner as the South Africa skipper eyes one of few achievements remaining in his career.
Like Australian counterpart Michael Clarke, Smith has been down on runs in the opening two Tests of the series.
But the 33-year-old is back in his hometown of Cape Town, ready to make amends in the series decider that starts on Saturday.
“I haven’t contributed in the way I’m used to contributing and the way I’d like to contribute,” Smith said of his series average of 9.25.
“I feel like I’ve prepared really well this week, my training’s gone really well and I feel like I’m in a good space.
“As an opening batter, it’s about getting through that initial period and getting yourself in.”
With victory in Cape Town, Smith would achieve South Africa’s first Test series win over Australia at home since readmission in 1994.
“It would be a big feather in my hat if we were able to come back from one-nil down to win the series,” he said.
Smith has been thrice dismissed by Mitchell Johnson over the past two weeks, making it eight times the left-armer has taken his wicket in a Test.
Proteas coach Russell Domingo suggested Smith’s struggles were an aberration that could well end at Newlands, where he made a century against Australia in 2011 to guide his side to victory.
“Graeme’s record speaks for itself. It’s very seldom that he goes through a series without making a contribution – with the bat because he makes a massive contribution as the leader,” Domingo said.
“So it’s not something I’m too fazed about. He’s a quality player. He’s looking in good touch.”
Smith dismissed the notion his side was approaching the end of an era, given the recent retirement of Jacques Kallis and uncertainty over how long he will stay in the job.
“I hope not. We’ve lost one series in eight years, or something like that – that’s a pretty successful run,” Smith said.