No.1 ranking on the line as Aussies aware of Cape Town stakes
Alex Carey is aware there is plenty on the line when the Aussies take on South Africa in the third Test.
Australia wicket-keeper Alex Carey knows what's at stake when his side takes on South Africa in the third and final ICC World Test Championship contest that commences in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The Aussies head into the fixture sitting on top of the World Test Championship standings and with the No.1 ranking in Test cricket, but will lose both mantles if they succumb to a defeat against the Proteas in the series deciding Test at Newlands.
But rather dwell on what the consequences would look like should Australia fall to South Africa in the third Test, Carey has instead decided to focus on the positives and concentrate on ensuring the team gets their preparation right so the result in Cape Town takes care of itself.
"As a group, we really believe in what we can achieve," Carey told reporters in Cape Town.
"If that's after this Test we're ranked No.1 or we're not. I think we know what we're capable of when we certainly get it right.
"So we won't look too far ahead. And I know it's probably a little bit cliche, but we've got to get our preparation right going into this Test match and then hopefully things can take care of itself there and not look at the end result."
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If the Aussies can taste success in the third Test then it will boost their chances of earning a place at next year's World Test Championship Final, with the side scheduled to take on New Zealand in four Tests later this year before a five-match series in India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January and February of 2027.
With so much to play for in the coming months, Carey suggested the result in every Test will be crucial for his side with the stakes raised under the World Test Championship cycle.
"I think most Test matches feel like finals," Carey admitted.
"You don't take any for granted and you want to win every single one of them as you know the significance of them.
"You know the point system around the World Test Championship. So, as a playing group, I think it's really important for us to understand the process of every game that we go into and try to nail that. And this one, again, is no different."
Series schedule
First Test: 9-13 October, Durban (Australia won by 214 runs)
Second Test: 18-22 October, Gqeberha (South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs)
Third Test: 27-31 October, Cape Town