PERTH, Dec 4: Australia will have to improve on their performance to avoid being beaten by South Africa in the upcoming three-Test series to decide the unofficial world Test champions, Australian captain Steve Waugh warned here Tuesday.

“We have to make sure we lift for the South Africans. If we don’t play our best we will get beaten,” he said after his team escaped with a draw after being outplayed for long periods by New Zealand in the third Test at the WACA Ground.

The three-Test series ended with honors even, with no decisions in any of the games. Rain seriously interferred with the first two Tests in Brisbane and Hobart.

“South Africa are an excellent side and I believe we will lift for those guys,” Waugh said.

“We have to lift our intensity about 10 per cent. I am quite confident we will do well against the South Africans.”

Waugh emphasised his players could not be on top of their game all the time.

“We cannot perform at the peak in all games,” he said.

“Also remember that New Zealand played very good cricket in this Test. They are a very good Test side.”

The South Africans, who practised for four hours Wednesday in nets at the WACA Ground, must fancy their chances after the home team’s below par performance.

Meanwhile, Australia must beat South Africa to stay on top of the world standings after tying with New Zealand.

Australia’s points average dropped from 1.62 points to 1.54, giving South Africa the chance to overtake them in the official world rankings launched in May this year.—AFP/Reuters