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Australia are a class apart: SA coach

N.Ananthanarayanan

South Africa cricket coach Eric Simons has challenged his players to match the ruthless streak that he says puts Australia in a class of their own.

Speaking before Wednesday's Champions Trophy semi-final against India, Simons says the world champions are the model for all other teams to follow.

"One of the impressive things about them is their consistency, how ruthless they are," Simons said.

"When they play a side and get into trouble, they get themselves out of it. They are always positive and confident under pressure. That is the sign of a good side."

South Africa, Champions Trophy winners in 1998, could face Australia in the final on September 29 if they beat India and Australia overcome hosts Sri Lanka on Friday.

Australia are looking for their first title after suffering opening round defeats in 1998 and 2000.

"As coach, if we take us man for man, we are a match for them, but when it comes to mental strength I think they are mentally on top of their game," said Simons, who took over earlier this year after South Africa had been beaten 5-1 by Australia in a six-match Test series -- a run that prompted the sacking of Graham Ford.

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