South Africa pinched Australia's No.1 ranking with a 39-run win in Perth sparking calls that Australian cricket is in crisis.

Australia, which will enter the three-Test series without key pacemen Brett Lee and Stuart Clark, surrendered its mantle as the No.1 one-day side following the 39-run defeat to South Africa in Perth on Friday night.

But Ponting is confident his charges can turn their fortunes around when they travel to South Africa following a five-game series against New Zealand.

Mike Hussey (78) and Brad Haddin (63) attempted to keep Australia (249) afloat but the young Proteas were irresistible. South Africa became the first side to win both Test and one-day series since the West Indies in 1992-93.

Michael Clarke (0), listed as the million-dollar man of the second Indian Premier League auction, couldn't buy a run, letting Mornel Morkel ( 2/45) rattle his stumps.

Warner (22), played with more caution than his skipper but wasn't rewarded, caught short of ground by the flick of Parnell's fingers.

Mike and David Hussey were united at 4/53 in the 13th over and put on 69 before the younger sibling's soft middle order dismissal to JP Duminy with Australia still requiring 161 runs.

Duminy showed why so many in the Rainbow Nation think he can walk on water. The golden boy broke Australia's key parternership after belting a decisive 60 from 42 balls as South Africa took 92 from its final 10 overs.

"There's real confidence flowing through the South African unit and Australia is short of answers," said former Australian keeper Ian Healy.

"Their culture is great, young players are coming in and doing the job and enjoy it."

Australia needed than 49 from its batting Powerplay after the Proteas managed 53.

Even the most optimistic now wouldn't expect Australia's ageing, sidelined stars to makemuch difference.

 AAP