Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting said that his inexperienced side would do all it can to hang on to their number one spot when they would take on South Africa in the upcoming test series.

Speaking with the reporters, Ponting said, “We have had quite a few injuries, but we have brought a fully fit squad to South Africa. We always enjoy playing here. The conditions are fairly similar to those at home, and we know the series will be challenging. We just hope Australia come out on top this time.”

The three Test Match Series between the two titans would start in Johannesburg from February 26. The second test would be played in Durban on March 6 while the third and the final test would be played in Cape Town on March 19.

At the end of March, the two teams would also feature in two Twenty20 matches. Besides this, the two teams will also play a 5 match ODI series in April.

If the South African team wins the test series, then it would topple Australia from the top spot for the first time in almost six years.

However, Ponting has already warned the hosts to expect a fight to the finish to maintain their number one status.

If Aussies are able to win or draw the series, then Ponting's side would retain the numero uno status.

Australia arrived in South Africa off the back of a first home Test series loss in 16 years, the 1-2 defeat inflicted upon them by South Africa, but Ponting said they have faced a similar situation after losing the Ashes in 2005.

A three-day tour match against South Africa A in Potchefstroom starts Friday.

Squads for the Practice Match:

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Andrew McDonald, Bryce McGain, Marcus North, Peter Siddle.

South Africa President's XI: Alviro Petersen (captain), Craig Alexander, Gulam Bodi, Imraan Khan, Heino Kuhn, Ethy Mbhalati, Blake Snijman, Imran Tahir, Roelof van der Merwe, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, David Wiese.