South Africa batsman Hashim Amla believes that England and the Proteas are "well-matched" ahead of the three-match Test series starting on Thursday.
England are just ahead of South Africa in the ICC Test rankings, with the visitors able to replace England at the top by winning the series, and Amla has said that the similar abilities of the two teams will lead to an exciting series.
"Both teams are well-matched," Amla told Sky Sports News. "I'm expecting it to be a good, very exciting series with a lot to play for from the rankings perspective.
"If we play our best cricket, the results will probably take care of themselves."
The first Test begins at the Oval on Thursday.