SYDNEY (Reuters)
Australia must raise their game for the upcoming series with South Africa which will decide the unofficial Test world championship, captain Steve Waugh has said.

The Australians hold a narrow lead over the South Africans after their three-Test series with New Zealand ended in a draw on Tuesday but under the complicated scoring system, they have to win to remain on top.

"A couple of us were off the boil in the first couple of Test matches, including myself, my batting wasn't good enough," Waugh said. "So we've just got to make sure we lift for South Africa, they're an excellent cricket side and if we don't play our best we'll get beaten."

Australia's two greatest wicket-takers, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, both performed poorly with the ball against the Kiwis but Waugh said he expected them to improve against South Africa. Leg-spinner Warne took six wickets at 71.66, while paceman McGrath collected five at 65.4.

One of the most telling statistics from the series was that Australia's celebrated bowling lineup never managed to bowl the Kiwis out.

"There's been a few things written saying the guys are off the boil and that, but it's hard to play at your peak in every Test match," Waugh said. "I'm quite confident they'll do well against South Africa."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd