South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith said yesterday that the priority this season is to challenge India for the first position in the world rankings.

The Proteas, who are expected to confirm today that former India World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten will take charge of the Test, one-day and Twenty20 squads, host Australia and Sri Lanka this year.

Speaking in South Africa for the first time since his team suffered a shock World Cup quarter-finals loss to New Zealand two months ago, opening batsman Smith said overtaking India must be the major goal of the Test side.

"I remain extremely positive about the Proteas as we set about challenging India for their number one Test ranking," he told a media conference at a Sandton hotel north of Johannesburg.

"Our top order did not bat as well as expected (at the World Cup) and it is something ufffd myself included ufffd that we need to work hard to address as we prepare for tough series against Australia and Sri Lanka. As soon as the new national coach is named I will work out a programme with him to get my game back to the level I expect of myself."