Sydney, Dec 15 : The withdrawal of Australian pace bowler Stuart Clark from the three-Test series has provided a huge boost for South Africa, but coach Mickey Arthur has warned his batsmen of the dangers of complacency against an attack that still features Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson.

The Proteas had identified Clark as Australia's main pace weapon, and with good reason, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The 33-year-old shredded the South Africans in his debut series, taking 20 wickets at 15.85 in three Tests and removing Jacques Kallis on four occasions.

Arthur and his squad had devoted much time and resources in attempting to decode Clark ahead of this series, and will now be scouring for video footage of his replacement, Peter Siddle.

"We had seen Clark as the major dangerman in their attack, so obviously there will be a bit of relief coming from our batsmen," Arthur said.

"We have obviously sat down and talked about these sorts of things, and it was our firm belief that he was the one bowler in that Australian pace attack who offered control, just like Glenn McGrath did.

"He allows the likes of Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson a certain amount of freedom to bowl fast and experiment, while he keeps it tight down one end. Without him, Australia has lost a guy who can build pressure and take wickets in his own right," Proteas coach said.

"But we have got to show a lot of respect for the guy they bring in. We have not seen a lot of Siddle - just the video of that one Test in India - so we're going to have to do a bit of work there," he added.

A day prior to Clark's withdrawal from the Australian squad, South African captain Graeme Smith had singled him out as the bowler the Proteas rated most highly. (ANI)