Siddle, Hilfenhaus miss 3rd Test vs South Africa

Clarke made the reference after the second test, where South Africa batted through the last 1 { days to salvage a draw and Australia finished two wickets short of a victory.

The analogy took on extra meaning after ex-skipper Ricky Ponting announced that the Perth match would be his 168th and last after 17 years in the baggy green cap.

"I think Ricky's announcement will only give us more inspiration to do everything we can to try to win this game,'' Clarke said. "It's more special now because it's been such a great, hard-fought series.

"It's the pinnacle. It's not very often you get the opportunity to go out and beat a team and go back to being the top test team in the world. We've got a lot to play for.''

The No. 1 test ranking is at stake after draws in the first two tests _ South Africa only needs a draw to retain top spot; Australia needs to win to have any chance of reclaiming it.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith said after two battling draws this series, and win on the last tour here in 2008, his team was in a good frame of mind.

"To be here, five days away from another series win in Australia, many teams dream of that coming to this place,'' he said. "There's clarity over the next five days. We have had a few

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