Australians are still invincible, says Arthur

Melbourne, Nov 8 (UNI) Despite standing on the verge of a series defeat against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur asserted that the World Champions are still the best side.

''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,'' South Africa coach Mickey Arthur was quoted as saying by 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.

''(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.

Arthur further added that the Australian team is currently going through a lean phase due to the retirement of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne but stated that there will be a temporary phase for the World Champions and they will recover soon.

''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.

However, replying to a question that which team can repalce Australia from number one position, Arthur said,'' 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.'' UNI XC RKM PY BD1650