In his exclusive ‘Daily Telegraph’ column, Warne suggested that Australia's tactics had become boring and defensive, and needed to go into attack mode. "There needs to be more imagination and flair in tactics with getting people out," Warne said.

"The bowlers just can't bowl line and length all day and hope that the batsmen lose patience and chase one. They need to have the ability to bowl a hostile spell like Merv Hughes or Glenn McGrath. I think there is too much emphasis on containment and protecting runs rather than attacking and trying to take wickets."

Warne's critique came on the same day victorious South African skipper Graeme Smith said he believes Australia are now trapped between two generations.

"I know how hard it is to fall into the no-man's land between planning for the future and being loyal to proven performers and match-winners," Smith said.

As a shell shocked Australia took two days off training to rest battered minds and bodies ahead of Saturday's SCG Test, South Africa's players saw in the New Year with a Sydney Harbour cruise on Wednesday night.

Warne claimed he was not "shocked or surprised" by South Africa's stirring series victory and said Australia's renowned domestic cricket structure would now face an acid test.

"We all have to accept that teams have learnt a lot from Australian sides and become better," Warne said. "Every facet of Australian cricket needs to be addressed, and now is the time, before it gets too late."

Australia's old foes have been quick to jump on their cricket grave with former England coach Duncan Fletcher blasting both skipper Ricky Ponting and selection boss Andrew Hilditch.

"They like to joke about whingeing Poms, but I didn't hear many positive vibes coming from the Aussie dressing room," Fletcher wrote.