Australia and South Africa are eying the top spot in the ICC Test rankings ahead of the three-Test series, which begins here from today.  

It can be recalled here that Aussie’s are clinging on to the top spot - a position it has held for almost six years - with 126 points.

However, the Proteas, with 121 points, are also not too behind them.

With 118 points, India is placed at third position.  

Speaking ahead of the first test match, Proteas skipper Graeme Smith said, “We've got a lot of confidence out of (winning in) Australia but there's definitely a feeling of feet on the ground and wanting to achieve more.”

On the other hand, Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting said he was looking forward to leading a young team in an important series. "In the two Test matches that we lost in Australia we played very good cricket and dominated at certain times. But unfortunately we weren't good enough to put a very good South African team away”, said Ponting.

A series win for the South Africa would see Smith's team overtake the Aussies. However, an Australia series win or a drawn series would mean that they (Australia) retain its number 1 position.

Whichever of the two sides leads the table on April 1, will secure 175,000 dollars for achieving that feat. The second-placed side in the listing on that date will receive 75,000 dollars.

South Africa is at the top of the ICC ODI Championship table and cannot be caught before that cut-off date so has already secured $175,000 for that achievement.

That means if the Proteas win this Test series, it will be a total of 350,000 dollars richer.