Michael Vaughan feels Australia are the team to beat in 2015 ICC Cricket WC

New Delhi: Former England skipper Michael Vaughan on Sunday said that Australia are the team to beat in the upcoming World Cup at home after clinching the ODI series against South Africa.

Australia have emerged as the front-runners and after pocketing two ODI series back to back, are looking dangerous prior to the mega event starting February 14 next year.

Australia thrashed South Africa 4-1 in a five-match ODI series, which concluded on Sunday. This ion turn has served as a major warning to all the teams fighting for the coveted title. The added advantage Australia have is that the biggest tournament is being played at its own backyard. Michael Vaughan expressed his views on social micro-blogging site, Twitter.

Hate to say it but Australia are the team to beat at WC.... #Justsaying — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 23, 2014

The four-time World Champions also returned to the top of the One-Day International (ODI) Team Rankings on Sunday, displacing India. South Africa meanwhile, held on to their third place.

Australia next are scheduled to participate in a Jan 16 - Feb 1 triangular series with India and England, starting in Melbourne after hosting India for a four-match Test series, starting December 4.