Brisbane - Australian cricket is undergoing a minor phase of rebuilding of sorts after they failed to successfully defend their Cricket World Cup crown earlier this year.

The team is currently on a tour of Sri Lanka, finishing off the final Test in their three-Test series against after claiming the five-match one-day series 3-2.

However, it has emerged that New Zealand wicketkeeper/batsman, Brendon McCullum has taken a swipe at his cross-Tasman rivals by saying that he feels sorry for their docile spin attack.

The big-hitting Kiwi told the New Zealand Herald that anyone following in the footsteps of Aussie legend, Shane Warne faces an insurmountable challenge and he is yet to be impressed by Australia’s latest spin bowler, Nathan Lyon and has even felt pity for the out of favour ‘Nathan’, Nathan Hauritz.

“I feel sorry for whoever it is who steps into that (spinner's) role (for Australia),”McCullum said.

“I feel sorry for Haury that his run came to an abrupt end.

“Shane Warne...he was the greatest spinner the game has ever seen, so to follow that is always going to be tough.

“I guess they will find a way to develop another one somewhere along the line.”

McCullum , who is in Australia to play in their local T20 competition says that he is looking forward to the possibility of playing against Warney again, if he decides to take up a contract with one of the Melbourne teams in the competition.

“Shane Warne - he's still a superstar," he said of the legendary leg-spinner who is considering playing for either Melbourne's Stars or Renegades.

“His performances in the (India's) IPL were outstanding.

“If he's fit and ready it would be great to have him involved.”