Date:31/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/31/stories/2008123156031700.htm

Sport - Cricket

Australian team spirit on test: Warne

Melbourne: Australian spin legend Shane Warne feels the humiliating Test series loss to South Africa will not only dent the world champion’s pride but also be an acid test of its legendary team spirit.

With individual careers of players like Matthew Hayden and Brett Lee at the crossroads after Australia lost the second Test here to be 0-2 down in the three-match series, Warne feels it would be a challenge for the team to think as a unit.

“The real team spirit will be tested,” Warne said on Channel 9 commentary. “You’ve got to not get insular and not just worry about your own game. The series is gone and they are going to be under pressure,” he said.

Praise for South Africa

The legendary leg-spinner took the occasion to lavish praise on the South Africans for humbling the Aussies in their own backyard.

“South Africa have copped some beatings here before, but they have really deserved to win.

“They have been the best side. South Africa have won the big moments and that has been the major difference in this series compared to others,” he said. — PTI