Australian bowling attack is best in the world - Michael Clarke

Johnson, Warner, Clarke, Haddin, team coach Lehmann, Doolan, Faulkner, Harris, Siddle, Shane Watson, Lyon, Bailey and Steven Smith sit on a stage during a ceremony to celebrate Ashes Test series victory against England .

Michael Clarke didn’t let his thoughts go unnoticed as he claimed that Australia has the best-bowling attack in the world right now, challenging South Africa’s top-ranked bowlers.

“Yup, I certainly do,” said a determined Clarke when asked he felt Australia’s bowlers were better than the Proteas’.

“Maybe I’m a little bit biased but in my opinion this Australian attack is the best attack in the world. Statistically, the South African attack is unbelievable, there’s no doubt about that, and they love their own conditions and they’ve had a lot of success here, but in my own opinion, from what I have seen from the Australian fast bowlers over a long period of time, I feel we have the best attack in the world,” the Australian captain added.

Aussie bowlers Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon are expected to continue their good stints of performances in South Africa in a three-Test series.

“I think it`s going to be a tough tour for the batters. You have two very good bowling attacks. I don`t know what the wickets are going to be like, but generally there is a bit in the wickets in South Africa.”

“Being in South Africa’s backyard, I would imagine they will be favourites but that doesn’t bother us. We just need to continue to play the way we played through the Australian summer,” Clarke said.

Clarke, 32, however raised his concerns on his side’s batting performances.

“We need to make sure we’re scoring enough runs. We’re up against a very good bowling attack. Our bowlers need to keep executing to take 20 wickets in a Test match.

“The South African batting line-up is extremely strong even without Jacques [Kallis] being in there.”

“I know Graeme quite well and a lot of the South African players. There’s a lot of mutual respect for both teams. You’ll see some hard-fought cricket, but both teams get on very well off the field. You’ll see both teams get together after the game for a few quiet beers,” he concluded.

The first Test between South Africa and Australia starts on February 12 at Centurion following a four-day warm-up match against a South African Invitational XI in Potchefstroom starting on Wednesday.