Greg Chappell's team have not had things their own way recently

The first one-day international in a series of five is played at the city's Wanderers ground, where India lost to Australia in the last World Cup final.

Chappell, whose team landed in Johannesburg on Tuesday, said: "We've had successes in South Africa before.

"A number of our batsmen have been here and scored centuries here, and we have discussed the conditions."

The former Aussie captain went on: "We enjoy batting on these pitches, the ball coming onto the bat and giving you the ability to play shots.

"You have to take into account that certain shots should be avoided, but you do have a wider range of strokes available to you."

Captain Rahul Dravid said the team would enjoy being out of the intense spotlight that it is subjected to back home.

He said: "We also enjoy the anonymity of playing away from home, where we can relax and do normal things.

"I think the benefit of that relaxation off the field will be evident on the field."