Australian attack no longer above the rest: Steve Waugh

Johannesburg: The bowling attack of the Australian cricket team no longer stands head and shoulders above the rest, according to former World Cup-winning captain Steve Waugh.

Commenting on the Proteas' performance on Wednesday when they beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets to enter the semi-finals of the mega event, Waugh said the South Africans had sent a clear message to the rest of the quarter-finalists that they are eager to lift the title.

"I was very impressed with what I saw from South Africa," Waugh told the Afrikaans daily Beeld here.

"They played superbly and their bowling was impressive. There would have been enormous pressure on the team about their poor performance record in big games like this, but they handled it well and the influence of Mike Horn was clear," Waugh added.

Solo explorer Horn, who has walked to the North Pole on foot and in total darkness, has been coaching the Proteas on how to deal with pressure and handle fear.

Horn confirmed to the daily that he would be staying on with the Proteas for the semis and beyond if they made it there.

Waugh said the Proteas' bowling attack in the game was one of the best in the tournament.

"The Australian attack no longer stands head and shoulders above the rest. New Zealand has a formidable attack and after Wednesday South Africa' also has to be taken into account."

Waugh would not comment though on who he was singling out to take the coveted trophy home.

"I believe the team that bowls the best from now on will win the World Cup, but I don't think we are likely to see a score of 350 or more again.

"Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have the best bowling attacks and that is why I don't doubt for a moment that one of them will win," Waugh concluded.