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Australian captain Ricky Ponting is confident his side is nearing top form ahead of the first Test against South Africa starting in Perth on Wednesday.
Ponting said Australia’s 2-0 series victory over New Zealand had given his side a much-needed morale boost heading into the three-Test series.
“I know the feeling around the team is really good at the moment, our work over the last couple of days has been great,” Ponting told a pre-Test luncheon.
“I think we improved in the second Test match against New Zealand compared to the first one, so there’s some good signs there for us.
“We are heading in the right direction.
“I mean we are still in that transitional sort of phase as a team, but we are ranked No.1 in the world and I expect the guys to go and play a brand of cricket that will keep us at No.1 for a while to come.”
South African opener Neil McKenzie denied Australia were vulnerable without injured paceman Stuart Clark.
“He’s been a top performer for a couple of years now so it’s a big loss for the Aussies,” McKenzie said.
“But with South Africa and with Australia — you don’t become the world’s No.1 ranked and second-ranked countries without depth.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of guys there that are willing and can take his place.
“He will be missed but I think there’s enough back-up in the Aussie line-up, as there is in the the South African line-up, to adjust for injuries.
“I don’t see any Australian side vulnerable.”
AB de Villiers said the tourists were ready to match it against Australia.
“We are very excited by the series,” de Villiers said.
“I think we are more ready than ever and the boys are playing some good cricket.”
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