Test opener Neil McKenzie believes South African are now more capable than ever of challenging world champions Australia.

But the batsman is aware the Proteas will have to be at their best when South Africa take on Australia in a three-match Test series beginning in December.

"The team is pretty settled; there are players who have been there a long time and have a great deal of experience," he told Business Day.

"So I believe we will have far more maturity and will be much better able to deal with the kind of pressure the Australians always dish out."

Despite the departure of a number of key players, including Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist, McKenzie does not believe the Australians are there for the taking.

"The Australians are never vulnerable," he said. "Sure they have lost a couple of really good players in Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath - and no team loses players of that calibre without feeling it.

"But any team wanting to beat them is still going to have a huge battle on its hands."

McKenzie believes the retirement of leg-spinner Warne is the most significant departure and has left a gaping hole in the attacking capabilities of Australia.

"His absence is a huge factor. The spinners they have tried since he departed have not come close. But they still have a very good pace attack in guys like (Brett) Lee and (Stuart) Clark."

Australia drew their first Test with India earlier this week, with spinner Cameron White taking just one wicket.