Aussies will remain numero uno despite retirements: Warne

Sydney, Jan 2 (UNI) Retirements will not cause Australia's slide from the top, feels Shane Warne, who is confident that the ageing World Champions will continue to rule despite being without him and the 'irreplaceable' Glenn McGrath after the World Cup.

''Although Glenn McGrath is irreplaceable, Australian cricket fans can rest easy -- we will remain the world's No. 1 team for some time yet,'' Warne wrote in his column for the 'Hearld Sun'.

''There has been a lot of talk about Australia slipping once McGrath, Justin Langer and I retire -- joining Damien Martyn -- after this final Ashes Test. But I don't think that will happen.

When opposition teams don't have to bowl to Langer, or face myself or McGrath, that will give them a bit of a lift before a game starts. We've seen that before when McGrath and I haven't played,'' he added.

The veteran leg-spinner said he was confident that the Aussies have the requisite back-up strength to continue their winning ways despite experts predicting a slide after the retirements.

''We still have some wonderful players who can do the job for Australia. It's an exciting time for Australia to see some new faces. It's a great time for young players to come in because the team is still successful and on a roll, and these players can develop before a few of the other guys retire,'' he explained.

''Once they get the taste of international cricket, they will want it more, which will make them more determined,'' he added.

A few days ago, McGrath had described Warne as being irreplaceable and the champion leg-spinner returned the compliment by saying that his bowling partner's contribution to the team has been 'unbelievable'.

''I don't think Glenn can be replaced. In pure bowling terms, Australia might find another like him but it's everything else he has brought to the table that has set him apart,'' he said.

''His attitude in key moments and ability to get the best players out consistently over a long period in all conditions have been unbelievable. The same goes for the number of times he has broken a major partnership,'' he added.

Paying tribute to Justin Langer, who will also call it quits after the ongoing last Test here, Warne said the opener has been a fighter throughout and statistics can not do justice to his actual contribution.

''The way he has stopped the momentum of opposition sides doesn't show up in the statistics. They are one thing, but there's a lot more than stats involved when you play for a long time,'' he said.

''Justin Langer is a real fighter. Every time his place has been under question from outside the team, he has been able to deliver.

He has mental strength, a fighting attitude and toughness -- qualities you can't judge by statistics,'' he pointed out.

UNI