No.1 Test ranking a big carrot: Nevill

The incentive of regaining top spot in the Test rankings looms as a tasty carrot for Australia heading into next month's two-match Qantas tour of New Zealand.

Australia are currently ranked No.3 behind India and South Africa, but can regain the No.1 ranking by winning the series over the Black Caps.

"It's a big carrot being dangled, obviously our goal as a team is to be the No.1 Test playing nation," Test wicketkeeper Peter Nevill said on Thursday.

"But having said that I've always found you focus on the process and the outcome will look after itself."

Nevill is expecting to face a Kiwi side motivated by the desire to avenge a recent 2-0 series loss in Australia and to send captain Brendon McCullum out on a high.

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McCullum, who will make his 100th Test appearance in the first match of the series, recently announced he would be retiring from international cricket following the return series against Australia.

"They are looking at sending Brendon McCullum out on a very high note," Nevill said.

"Obviously playing his 100th Test match for the Black Caps is a wonderful achievement, it's an amazing career.

"They will certainly be looking to not only win for themselves but win for him."

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As a fellow member of the `keepers club, Nevill holds McCullum in high regard.

"I've obviously looked up to him, but there's not many similarities between myself and Brendon. We're different types of players," Nevill said.

"In that respect I haven't wanted to emulate what he's done."

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McCullum has been a mainstay of the NZ side in all three forms of the game, while Nevill thus far has only represented in the Test format.

With Matthew Wade behind the stumps for Australia in limited-overs cricket, Nevill said he presently content to focus on his red-ball game.

"I'm only focusing on Test cricket, that's what I've been picked for," Nevill said.

Nevill expects the uncapped Chadd Sayers and three-Test Jackson Bird to do well in New Zealand if either or both of the pacemen are given a chance.

"Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers have performed well over previous Sheffield Shield seasons," Nevill said.

"They move the ball through the air and off the wicket, so I think they will be well suited to New Zealand and should do well if they get the opportunity."