PTI

MELBOURNE, Dec 31: Australian spin legend Shane Warne feels the humiliating Test series loss to South Africa will not only dent the world champions' pride but also be an acid test of their legendary team spirit.

With individual careers of players like Matthew Hayden and Brett Lee at the crossroad 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 added.

The legendary leg-spinner took the occasion to lavish praise on the South Africans for humbling the Aussie 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 pointed out.

Meanwhile, some former players questioned the logic behind Ricky Ponting's decision not to open with his in-form bowler Mitchell Johnson on the fifth day.

"This is an amazing move by Ponting. His wicket-taker, without any shadow of a doubt, is Mitchell Johnson. You have surely got to have your strike bowler in the attack," former England captain Tony Greig said.

Former Australian captain Bill Lawry echoed the view and said, "Nothing against Peter Siddle, but I would have thought Mitchell Johnson would have taken the new ball," he said.