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MELBOURNE, Monday (Reuters) - South African test cricket was in crisis following their 3-0 series loss to Australia, the Australian media widely reported on Monday.

"Players from past and present eras have insisted that South Africa were as good as, if not better than, the great enemy," the Herald Sun newspaper said.

"It is difficult to see that happening again after this series. The past month has represented this team's heaviest defeats (by 246 runs, nine wickets and 10 wickets).

"Most of the players have never been beaten so badly, never mind three times in a row."

Shaun Pollock's side were also rocked by controversy on the eve of the third test when United Cricket Board of South Africa president Percy Sonn overruled selectors to promote coloured middle-order batsman Justin Ontong ahead of Jacques Rudolph.

They must now regroup for a triangular limited-overs series starting in Australia on Friday, which involves the home team and New Zealand.

"The result (of the test series) is a level of humility they have never experienced before, a modesty that will serve them well in the future and will almost certainly change their approach to future contests against Australia," the Herald Sun said.

South Africa host Australia in a three-test series starting next month when they will have another opportunity to claim test cricket's top ranking from their visitors.

NO COMPARISON

But South Africa did not compare well to Stephen Fleming's New Zealand side who drew a three-test series in Australia 0-0 in November and December, The Age newspaper reported.

"If the Kiwis surprised on the upside, as analysts put it, the Proteas fell well below expectations," The Age said.

"Experience has a lot to do with it. Stephen Fleming is an astute captain of a seasoned team; Shaun Pollock an uncertain leader of a side including players over the hill and in the early stages of their ascent.

"Clearly South Africa's successful team of the nineties has broken up."

The Australian newspaper said, while the Proteas have on-field deficiencies, the Ontong issue was evidence of off-field troubles.

"There is no escaping the fact this South African team was seriously under-resourced and inexpertly managed," The Australian said.

"There was no-one, on or off the ground, who was demonstrably in charge.

"It is difficult to see how the South Africans can regroup in advance of the first test with Australia at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, which is just over six weeks away.".

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