Ponting likens SA tour to 1995 Aussie Caribbean sojourn

In danger of losing their number one Test status to South Africa, Australia captain Ricky Ponting tried to boost the morale of his inexperienced squad touring the rainbow nation by likening the task ahead to his country's history-changing tour of the West Indies in 1995.

Australia beat the West Indies in 1995 despite having a decimated attack and has been the top team ever since, until challenged by South Africa this summer.

Australia, having lost 1-2 to South Africa at home this summer, will be battling to retain their status as the number one Test team during the series starting in Johannesburg on February 26.

Ponting will be mounting his defence without new ball bowlers Brett Lee and Stuart Clark in the same way Mark Taylor lost his opening pair of Craig McDermott and Damien Fleming through injury 13 years ago.

"We're missing the experience of Lee and Clark in our attack, but (Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Doug Bollinger) have got what it takes to be very good international bowlers and good enough to take 20 wickets for us to win in any conditions around the world," Ponting said before flying out to South Africa with the squad.

"If you look back to the West Indies tour in 1995, that's where Glenn McGrath made a name for himself when Craig McDermott and a few of guys were injured," he was quoted as saying by The Australian.

"We've got a great opportunity for a Siddle, a Hilfenhaus or a Bollinger to really make a name for themselves and forge their own identity at international level," Ponting said.

The inexperienced attack will be led by the tireless Australian standout bowler of the summer, Johnson, all of 18 Tests old.

Siddle has played just four Tests, Bollinger one and Hilfenhaus is yet to make his debut. Also yet to play his first Test is leg-spinner Bryce McGain, who turns 37 next month but is likely to be Australia's main spinner.

Ponting believes McGain could be the difference, depending on the type of wickets South Africa produces.

"He's come back from his injury very well and he's bowled well for Victoria in the last few games," Ponting said.

"It's always nice to have a very good and highly skilled leg-spinner in your side, which is what Bryce is. There's every chance that he could just be that X-factor."

Ponting feels 20-year-old opening batsman Phil Hughes, the youngest in the squad, will be "jumping out of his skin".

"He'll be pretty nervous and excited. He's a very driven and motivated young bloke who wants to be successful for Australia," Ponting said.

"He's certainly done that for NSW. We hope he can be what we're looking for at the top of the order."