No.2 ranking, cash prize up for grabs

The four-Test series between Australia and South Africa will see the No.2 world ranking up for grabs over the next five weeks, along with a US$500,000 prize purse. 

Australia's 2-1 series triumph on their last tour of South Africa in 2014 played a key role in Michael Clarke's side taking the No.1 ranking after the ICC's annual update just weeks after the thrilling finale in Cape Town.

The current group of Aussies, however, will need to produce a far more dominant performance to leapfrog the Proteas in the rankings, with only a 3-0 (or better) result enough to climb up from their current position of third.

While neither side will need any added motivation heading into the blockbuster series that begins tonight from 7pm AEDT, the rankings battle adds another layer of intrigue – or hundreds of thousands of them.

The team that finishes second at the April 3 cut-off date will collect US$500,000 from the ICC, third claims $200,00 and the fourth-placed side will claim half that amount.

England's upcoming two-Test series against the Black Caps in New Zealand could also have an impact.

If Australia were to suffer a 4-0 clean sweep in South Africa, then they could slip to fourth spot if either of England or New Zealand were to win both of their Tests.

The Proteas and Australia completed their final preparation for today's series opener, with both captains acknowledging the hype surrounding the series.

"I would say it's the most competitive series that you play," South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis said of the battle against Australia.

"We're both very passionate, competitive cricketing nations and we try and leave it all out on the field.

"It's great entertainment for the people watching. We're all raring to go and I'm sure the Australian cricket team is excited to start the series as well."

While Smith and co are fresh off a home Ashes campaign – as big as it gets for any Australian cricketer – the skipper is ready for the challenge on offer from a hungry Proteas side determined to claim their first home series win against Australia since re-admission to international cricket in 1991.

"It's certainly a big series for us," Smith told reporters at the Kingsmead venue.

"We've had a lot of contests over the years, obviously South Africa got the better of us at home so we'd love to get them back for that one.

"Australia has got a pretty proud history here in South Africa.

"It's a good opportunity for the guys. We're going to have to start well here in Durban."

Qantas tour of South Africa

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Warm-up match: Australia beat South Africa A by five wickets. Report, highlights

First Test Kingsmead, Durban, March 1-5. Live coverage

Second Test St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, March 9-13. Live coverage

Third Test Newlands, Cape Town, March 22-26. Live coverage

Fourth Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3. Live coverage