Australia chasing India's No.1 ICC ODI ranking with win in 5th ODI against South Africa

Steve Smith’s 100 at the MCG ensured a series win for Australia

Although Australia have already clinched the ODI series, 3-1, against South Africa with one match still to play, the 5^th ODI in Sydney on Sunday provides Australia the glorious opportunity of displacing India as the No.1 ranked ODI team in the world.

The hosts were in deep trouble at 98/5 during their run chase of 268 against the Proteas during the 4^th ODI yesterday, but a century from Steven Smith, who was ably supported by the duo of Matthew Wade and James Faulkner, ensured that they took an unassailable lead in the Carlton Mid ODI series.

Smith, who is soon becoming an integral member of the side in ODI cricket as well, said that there is no danger of them taking it easy in Sydney, with a win ensuring that they reclaim the coveted top spot from India.

"It adds a lot," Smith told reporters after Friday's win.

"We pride ourselves on that. We try to get to No.1 in every form of the game.

"To win in Sydney would be great and to take that No.1 mantle back would be outstanding."

The 25-year old added that Australia’s form against a top class opposition like South Africa will hold them in good stead come the World Cup in a couple of months’ time.

"South Africa are a very good line-up," he added.

"To play the way we have and beat them 3-1, it's been very satisfying for us.

"It will be perfect to finish it off with a 4-1 victory and take back that No.1 spot.

"It's going to be nice playing the World Cup in our own backyard... hopefully, that (form) continues going into the World Cup."

Smith was labeled a “captain’s nightmare” by AB de Villiers after the 3^rd ODI in Canberra, where he smashed an unbeaten 73 off just 55 balls, and South African coach Russell Domingo acknowledged that taking the New South Welshman’s wicket early in the innings would be crucial if they are to end their tour on a high note.

"He's obviously a big player for Australia at the moment and we've got to make sure our plans are in place when we play against him," Domingo said.

Domingo insisted that his side’s inept display in this series would not affect their preparations for the World Cup, and added that the final ODI provides some of the fringe players an opportunity to cement their spot in the World Cup squad.

"Sunday is another chance to see what the right group is ... we're pretty close to finalising (a squad)," he said.

"It's a great reminder of how much work still lies ahead before we can seriously challenge for the World Cup in three months' time."