Sydney, Dec. 17 : The man who last captained a touring side to a Test series victory in Australia believes South Africa are not up to the task of dethroning Ricky Ponting''s men.

Richie Richardson, who led the West Indies to a famous 2-1 victory over Australia in the 1992-93 season, said Ponting''s side remained the strongest in world cricket despite the retirements of key personnel.

The former Antiguan batsman was unconvinced South Africa had shaken their "choker" tag, which has haunted them through so many Australian campaigns.

"Even though the South Africans have been playing well this year, I don''t see anyone beating Australia for quite some time," Richardson told The Herald.

"The Australian team is still strong, and the crowds and conditions always make life difficult for touring teams. I think they are still the top team in the world," he added.

"This is going to be South Africa''s biggest test. They have had a good year, and they look like a good, fighting team, but it was my experience over time that if you applied the pressure to them they buckled at critical times. They will have to overcome that history if they are to beat Australia and I''m not sure they can."

The West Indies side rebounded from a 1-0 series deficit to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy in the 1992-93 series. Curtly Ambrose''s 19 wickets over the Adelaide and Perth Tests proved the difference. (ANI)