"It is still a world-class attack in the right conditions. They were slightly exposed in India when Stuart Clark didn’t play — he gives them control and allows Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson to tear away. The lack of a spinner is putting more pressure on their quicks, too," said South Africa’s coach Mickey Arthur.
"(But) we are under no illusions as to what a good team they are. There are one or two cracks in their make-up, and the spin bowling issue will remain with them for the going forward. But they are still a very good team," he added.
Though once it was invincible with Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath spear heading the attack turned vulnerable after their retirements. He believes this is just a temporary phase for them soon they will find someone who can fill in the shoes of McGrath and Warne.
"Every side goes through a rebuilding phase, and Australia are going through that right now in certain positions. Senior players will be under a bit more pressure to perform with a lot of inexperienced guys in the team," he said.
About the side which can replace Australia @ the top, "In familiar conditions — South Africa, England and Australia — I think it’s going to be us. In the subcontinent, in their own conditions, India are a very good side."