Brett Lee is poised to reach the summit of one-day cricket as the best bowler in the world.
The Australian fast bowler took a career-best 5-22 in Friday night's tri-series win over South Africa at Telstra Dome and his form, wicket-taking ability and miserly economy rate means he should overtake compatriot Glenn McGrath shortly.
McGrath is currently ranked the world's best limited overs bowler on the International Cricket Council's rankings table, 18 points clear of Lee, but the blond speedster is currently untouchable.
Lee has maintained his brilliant one-day form of 2005, when he became only the 16th man to have taken 50 wickets in a calendar year. He took 51 at 19.94.
Of cricket's leading bowlers, only New Zealand's Shane Bond has a better strike-rate, and while Lee's wicket tally (218) climbs his economy rate has descended.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting knows he has an ace up his sleeve.
"Time and time again he takes wickets with that new ball," Ponting said of Lee.
"Once you get one or two down with that new ball and he's still in the middle of a spell it's going to be hard work for any opposition side.
"If he keeps doing that we're well on the way to winning a lot of games."
Just like he tormented New Zealand's Stephen Fleming throughout 2005, Lee is all over another left-handed opener who captains, South Africa's Graeme Smith, having knocked him over three times this summer.
Lee has a great record against left-handed openers (Fleming, the West Indies' Chris Gayle, England's Marcus Trescothick and Pakistan's Saeed Anwar are among his most common victims), but asked if he had a hold over another cack-hander, he didn't want to break his streak.
"I'd say yes, but I don't want to jinx myself," Lee said.
Ahead of Sunday's match against Sri Lanka at the SCG, left-arm wrist spinner Brad Hogg said Lee's influence with the new ball filtered all the way through the Australia's bowling innings.
"If the opening bowler gets off to a good start it keeps the pressure on the opposition and brings the slower bowlers into the game, and we thrive on that," said Hogg, who took 3-32 while bowling at the other end from Lee's second spell on Friday night.
Australia are resting before Sunday's match, meaning the selectors will work hardest, especially if Simon Katich recovers from a minor groin injury in time to play the Lankans.
Katich was to be assessed on Saturday and Sunday, but if fit, will provide a thorny question at selection given Phil Jaques' stunning debut.
Jaques hammered 94 from 112 balls replacing Katich against the Proteas, meaning there will be a three-way fight for two opening spots starting either Sunday or Monday, by which stage Katich should be fit and Adam Gilchrist will have returned from a rest.