South Africa faces tough test in Australia over top ranking
The Proteas will have to battle hard to retain their world number one spot against Wallabies
South Africa's number one world ranking is on the line in a mouthwatering test series against an in-form Australia team that starts at Brisbane's Gabba tomorrow.
But the home team can usurp South Africa and return to the top of the rankings with victory in the three-test series.
Skipper Graeme Smith said South Africa were taking strength from their first series win on Australian soil on their last tour in 2008-09.
"Obviously, winning here four years ago certainly helps in the self-belief factor, knowing that you've overcome a hurdle before," Smith said.
"Winning in someone else's backyard, it's a tough thing to do and that challenge is something that excites us."
The Proteas will unleash their formidable pace battery, led by test cricket's leading pair, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, and backed up by Morne Morkel.
The Proteas also boast a formidable batting line-up featuring the likes of Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, J.P Duminy and A.B. de Villiers.
Duminy said South Africa's batting depth was a key factor in their series win over England in August. "It definitely feels good," Duminy said. "I think it's helped a lot in the previous series. Hopefully it will pay dividends to us this time again."
The former Australian skipper and senior batsman Ricky Ponting said his teammates should not forget it was largely the same Proteas line-up they defeated by two wickets in Johannesburg 12 months ago to secure a share of the spoils in their two-test series.
"It's really important for us as a group to realise just how close we are to them as a team," Ponting said. "They're the number one ranked team in the world, and deservedly so, but we're breathing down their necks."
Australia go into the opening test without all-rounder Shane Watson, who succumbed to a calf injury and was replaced by left-hander Rob Quiney, making his test debut.
Australia coach Mickey Arthur, who guided South Africa between 2005 and 2010, said his side remained highly confident of toppling the Proteas despite losing Watson.
Australia have won eight of their past 10 tests, including a 4-0 whitewash of India at home during the last Australian summer.
"We are comfortable we have the players and we have the cover," Arthur said. "We're relaxed, we're calm. I think the team is in a really good space. We're excited and really hungry for some success. We see this as a massive opportunity for us."
