Cape Town, Jan 6 :Australian captain Michael Clarke has termed his pace trio of Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle as best in the world, discounting the claim of South African pacers who have made their team No. 1 in Tests.

Speaking immediately after 5-0 whitewash of England in Ashes, Clarke prised his fast bowlers for bouncing back and secure victory for the team evenafter Ashes defeat in England.

Johnson finished with 37 wickets for the series at an average of 13.97, while Harris took 22 wickets at an average of 19.31 and Siddle 16 at an average of 24.12, Sport24 reports.

Australia climbed to third on the International Cricket Council world rankings, behind South Africa and India, after a 281-run defeat of England in Sydney.

Clarke knows that Graeme Smith-led Proteas will provide a real challenge to Australians when they play South Africa in three Tests, starting at Centurion on February 12 .

Proteas pacers Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn are the best-placed fast bowlers on the ICC rankings, with Australia's Harris in the third place.

Siddle lies sixth and Johnson eighth. (ANI)