Saint Lucia - Proteas captain Graeme Smith said Australia were the favourites for the ICC World Twenty20 title after his own side crashed out before the semi-final stage.
An 11-run defeat to defending champions Pakistan on Monday sealed the Proteas' fate after South Africa had lost by 39 runs to England in the second round Super Eights phase in Barbados last weekend.
"I think Australia are playing the most dominant cricket, they have beaten teams comprehensively throughout this tournament," said Smith.
"England played positive cricket against us, if they can maintain that level of play I think they are probably the one team left that can challenge Australia's pace attack," the left-handed opening batsman added.