Australia Eyes No 1 rank Dead Rubber

Sydney: A win over South Africa in the fifth and final ODI will help Australia claim the No 1 ranking in Sydney on Sunday.

Australia have already sealed the series 3-1 after a three-wicket win in the fourth game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Both the teams will look to iron out flaws in the lead up to the mega-event that starts in less than three months time.

South Africa next play a five-ODI series against the West Indies at home while Australia next host India and England for a tri-series in January.

Australia are itching to press on with the incentive of No 1 ranking in the back of their minds, while South Africa will play for pride. With the pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground more helpful to spinners as compared to other grounds in Australia, the final game could see changes in the playing XIs.

Teams:

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, George Bailey (Capt.), Matthew Wade (wk), Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (Capt.), David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Ryan McLaren, Robin Peterson, Wayne Parnell, Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Rilee Rossouw

Pitch and Condition
Mostly sunny with a high of 39 degrees celsius.

Stats and trivia

• Australia have won seven and lost three ODIs against South Africa at the SCG.
• A victory would allow Australia to return to No. 1 in the world ODI rankings

Match facts
Sunday, November 23, 2014 (day/night)
Start time 14:20 local (03:20 GMT)