If we keep improving and moulding together - we've got an attack that'll threaten any team Troy Cooley

"We have little setbacks here and there and that's to be expected," Cooley told the Sport on Five programme.

"We are still a young bowling line-up that is developing and we'll see some little ups and downs in performance.

"But I'm sure as we grow together, we'll be a formidable attack when the Australians arrive on our door step."

Cooley described Matthew Hoggard's performance in taking 12-205 as England won the Johannesburg Test to take a 2-1 series lead with one to play as "outstanding".

He said: "He's always been the marshal of the troops. We're just looking for him to continue in that role and if he continues what he's doing, that's good for England.

"He comes up front with the swinging ball and comes back through the middle overs and supports the others with his excellent line and length and then takes the new ball again at the end of the day.

Jon Lewis is hoping for his chance in the Centurion Test

"He knows his job and it's fantastic he's been able to perform at that level."

Cooley voiced concern at the physical demands being placed on bowlers in the era of back to back Tests.

Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff are all carrying injuries.

But Cooley said England had a group of five or six fast bowlers who could all do a good job for the team.

Asked about Gloucestershire's Jon Lewis, who has flown to South Africa from the national Academy to provide cover, Cooley said: "He doesn't have the match toughness, but he's worked very hard during the winter.

"I'm sure he'll be up for it, if he's put into the melting pot."