Pace spearhead Brett Lee scoffed at suggestions that India's streak-breaking victory over the home side in Perth will mark the start of an Australian decline.
Lee was near the peak of his powers at the WACA ground, claiming six top order wickets in the match, including Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman in each innings.
But for once it wasn't enough, as India's pace triumvirate of RP Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma, in concert with captain and leg spinner Anil Kumble, bowled the Indians to a stirring victory.
In the aftermath many considered the result a harbinger of Australia's future, as opposition sides catch up via the swing bowling pathway first illustrated by England in the 2005 Ashes series.
At times the Australians also appeared to be hemmed in by their need to look diplomatic on the field following the uproar that followed their boisterous and fortunate win in the second Test in Sydney.
While acknowledging India's mastery of the art in Perth, Lee would not countenance talk of an Australian wane - saying one loss out of 17 wasn't exactly the record of a fading team.
"The way we've been playing recently, we've lost one Test out of 17, so I think we've had a pretty good effort, it's great for world cricket, the Australian team was beaten last week, so be it, we can put that behind us now and focus again," Lee said.
"(In Perth) they bowled well, definitely, we have to give credit to India, they played extremely well, we probably didn't get the runs we wanted to, I thought we bowled very well in different parts but it wasn't the Australian complete game that we're used to."
Wayward slinger Shaun Tait is widely expected to lose his place in the Australian XI for his home Test in Adelaide due to his erratic efforts in Perth and the likelihood of a dry pitch.
Tait's presence was considered a prime reason behind an abysmal Australian over rate, which at one point looked likely to result in a ban for captain Ricky Ponting under the tough measures imposed on leaders for slow going.
"In Perth it's a unique problem because you will play four fast bowlers, and when you've got guys who can bowl 150k/h with decent run-ups there is always going to be a problem pushing the 90 over mark," Lee said.
"That's something we have to address, there is possibly a way to get through overs a bit quicker, so we'll be trying all we possibly can to work on that."
For all Tait's difficulties in Perth, Lee admitted to enjoying his presence in the side as a fellow pursuer of high speed.
"Every time Shaun Tait plays he always gives his best, it's good to see a guy pushing up that speed gun, saying that whether Shaun or Brad Hogg gets the call it's not my call, but it's always good when Shaun Tait's in the side," Lee said.