SA vs AUS: Here's what Australia has to do to clinch the second rank in Tests

Australia can overtake South Africa in the Test team rankings if they win the four-match Test series 3-0 or better. The visitors will need to beat South Africa 3-0 or better to clinch $500,000 prize for the second place finish at the cut-off date of April 3.

India clinched the $1 million prize money for the second year and South Africa will be similarly looking to seal the second prize of $500,000, which they are well placed to do. Australia can overtake South Africa if they win 3-0 or better but Australia (104 points) also have the danger of slipping from their third position and seeing either New Zealand or England overtake them as the two sides are scheduled to play a two-Test series that also culminates on 3 April.

Australia could slip to 100 points with a 4-0 loss and to 101 with a 3-0 loss while New Zealand (100) can go up to 104 points with a 2-0 win while a similar comprehensive verdict for England (99) will see them go up to 102 points. The side finishing third gets $200,000 and the fourth team gets $100,000.

Series scenarios

South Africa win 4-0 – South Africa 120, Australia 100

South Africa win 3-0 – South Africa 118, Australia 101

South Africa win 2-0 or 3-1 – South Africa 117, Australia 102

South Africa win 1-0 – South Africa 116, Australia 103

Drawn series – South Africa 114, Australia 106

Australia win 4-0 – Australia 111, South Africa 108

Australia win 3-0 – Australia 110, South Africa 110 (behind on decimals)

Australia win 2-0 or 3-1 – South Africa 111, Australia 109

Australia win 1-0 – South Africa 112, Australia 109

Series schedule

1st Test, Durban: 1-5 March

2nd Test, Port Elizabeth: 9-13 March

3rd Test, Cape Town: 22-26 March

4th Test, Johannesburg: 30 March – 3 April

Table: ICC Test team rankings

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