Rain threatens to dampen Australia's rise to top of the world By Andrew Wu Josh Hazlewood has declared he is fit to face the West Indies, but Sydney's summer rains threaten to mar the final Test of the summer and jeopardise Australia's bid to return to the top of Test cricket. 
The forecast for wet weather could have big ramifications for Australia's quest to regain the No.1 ranking, which is within reach with South Africa's rapid descent showing no signs of stopping.
Australia's smoothest passage to the summit would include a 3-0 whitewash of the Windies and a series victory in New Zealand, provided England can at least draw against the declining Proteas.
But a gloomy forecast stands in the way of that scenario. Rain is predicted for all five days of the Test, with more than 75 millimetres expected on the final four days.
If rain were to thwart Australia, Steve Smith's team would then need to win both Tests in New Zealand, though a series win would suffice if the Proteas were to lose to England.
Hazlewood has told medical staff he is right to play a sixth Test, saying he was feeling as well as he had all summer. With coach Darren Lehmann maintaining his edict players are not rested, Hazlewood seems certain to get his wish despite his heavy workload.
He acknowledges there will come a time for him to rest - but preferably during the one-day series rather than next week.
"The physio and the doctor and coach really respect the opinions of the fast bowlers and they know their body better than anyone," Hazlewood said. "It's great we have that communication between the staff and the players."
Peter Siddle is Australia's only injury concern for Sydney. The veteran, who is battling an ankle issue, will resume bowling on Saturday but his cards may be marked with Australia set to play Stephen O'Keefe as a second spinner.
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh would then play as a third seamer, which is not viewed as a problem judging by the glowing reviews his bowling received in the second Test.
Hazlewood feels the likelihood of a spin-twin attack would play in his favour of retention. "You might be able to attack more with bowling a bit shorter spells," Hazlewood said.
It seems the perfect opportunity for O'Keefe to play his first Test on home soil. The series is already won, the SCG pitch has offered assistance to slow bowlers this season and it would give selectors a chance to see how he fares at Test level, with a tour to spin-friendly Sri Lanka later this year.