We are behind India and SA: Aussie media

Agencies

Melbourne: Adding salt to the wound after losing ODI and Test series against South Africa, Australian media said Ricky Ponting's side is languishing behind India and the Proteas in form and depth.

"Whether South Africa are ready for the No.1 ranking is irrelevant, because Australia is no longer on their level, nor India's. The crown is gone and Australia are languishing behind the other two nations in form and depth," said the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

"Gone too is the killer instinct and ability to forge back-breaking partnerships when it matters most. Having lost the tri-series to India last season, Australia have been humbled this time around by a youthful and developing South African team," the report added.

The 'Courier Mail' added salt to the wound, saying, "Even the most optimistic now wouldn't expect Australia's ageing, sidelined stars to make a difference."

The 39-run victory in Perth on Friday saw South Africa dethrone Australia from the top of the ICC ODI championship table and the media was of the view that ageing Ponting's team was no longer a formidable match for developing teams like India, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

"India and the Proteas will fight it out with Australia for the No.1 ranking in coming weeks but where the foreign teams are rising, Australia have clearly fallen."

'Aussies crumble', a report in 'The Australian' read, "South Africa minus Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn were still too good for Australia."

'The Daily Telegraph' in its report headlined 'Humbled Aussies lose no. 1 rank' said the 4-1 series result was ample evidence of changing world order in the game.