Australia [ Images ] coach Mickey Arthur, who had coached the Graeme Smith-led South Africans to the No.1 Test ranking, now wants to make Australia numero uno in Tests.
South Africa [ Images ] lead the Test rankings on 120 with England [ Images ] on 117 and Australia one point behind, following South Africa's 2-0 series triumph in England.
"The South African series has extra meaning to me. I can't wait for it. The side that wins that (Australia-South Africa series) is No.1. We have the ability to take No.1 away from South Africa so I've done a lot of planning on that," said Arthur.
Those plans include Ashes preparations and strategies for next month's Twenty20 [ Images ] World Cup in Sri Lanka [ Images ].
Arthur said Australia could meet fire with fire against Smith's Proteas, the Sydney [ Images ] Morning Herald reports.
"South Africa are justifiably No.1. They believe in themselves. They're a very settled unit. But we're a very good Test unit. The series is going to be an absolute cracker," he said.
Arthur said while Smith is a natural leader, Australia's Michael Clarke [ Images ] is also a man who captains with great authority.
Clarke's leadership was honoured this week with selection as captain in the ICC [ Images ] Test team of the year.
"Leaders are born with an aura. Michael Clarke has it, Graeme Smith [ Images ] definitely has it. They talk, people listen. They walk in the dressing room and people stand back. Captain versus captain, it's a really good match-up," Arthur said.
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