Retiring batsman Ricky Ponting will be aiming to bow out of the Test arena in grand style by helping Australia to a win in the third Test against South Africa at the WACA Ground.

Ponting shocked his teammates on Thursday when he announced his retirement, with the Perth Test to be his farewell appearance for Australia.

The 37-year-old conceded his recent poor form convinced him it was the right time to retire.

But with Australia needing to beat South Africa in order to assume the No.1 Test ranking, Ponting says he’s more determined than ever to produce a big score for his country.

“I’m hungrier than ever and I want this win more than any game I’ve ever played in,” Ponting said.

“To get back to the top of the tree and No.1 in the world, there’s no better time for me to finish.”

The match, starting Friday, will also mark Mitchell Johnson’s return to the Test arena after injuring his toe against South Africa last November.

He’ll be asked to lead a bowling attack missing James Pattinson (side strain) and rested duo Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle.

Four-Test rookie Mitchell Starc has also been recalled, while Josh Hazlewood, John Hastings and spinner Nathan Lyon will battle it out for the remaining two spots.

Australia skipper Michael Clarke was waiting until match morning to decide whether to stick with a spinner, or go for an all-out pace attack.

South Africa remain hopeful star all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who injured his hamstring in the drawn Adelaide Test, will be able to play as a specialist batsman.

The Proteas are set to replace wayward spinner Imran Tahir with Robin Peterson, while fit-again paceman Vernon Philander is almost certain to replace Rory Kleinveldt.

The series is locked at 0-0, with South Africa only needing a draw to retain the No.1 Test ranking.