The No.1 Test ranking is on the line for Australia in their two-match series against Pakistan starting on Wednesday.
A 2-0 victory would put Michael Clarke's side one point clear of South Africa in top spot.
An ICC statement on Tuesday said a one-nil win for Australia would give South Africa a lead of 0.24 points on top of the table.
Australia beat South Africa 2-1 in March 2014 and Australia held the top ranking between May and July, before South Africa went ahead of them.
Pakistan are ranked sixth.
ICC TEST RANKINGS
1. South Africa 124
2. Australia 123
3. England 104
4. Sri Lanka 101
5. India 96 (96.31
6. Pakistan 96 (5.61)
7. New Zealand 93
8. West Indies 75
9. Zimbabwe 39
10. Bangladesh 19.
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