Tummy bugs or the flu won’t catch South Africa on the hop at next year’s World Cup, with the Proteas already formulating a plan B in case illness hits.

South Africa showcased their enviable pace depth on Sunday with a cruisy three-wicket win over Australia in the one-day clash at the WACA.

Morne Morkel was the hero with career-best figures of 5-21, while Dale Steyn chipped in with three wickets and Vernon Philander was at his menacing and miserly best.

Steyn and Philander usually combine for the new-ball duties, but Morkel thrived when he was thrust into the role on Sunday.

The 30-year-old removed David Warner in the first over, before snaring the scalps of Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson later in the innings.

Morkel said his promotion to new-ball duties was all about experimenting ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“The most important thing about this tour is working towards the World Cup and trying different things,” Morkel said.

“On any given day, a guy like Dale or Vern might get a flu or a tummy illness and be unable to step up.

“It (taking the new ball) is the sort of role I enjoy doing as well.

“I got the opportunity to go with the new ball up front and I’m happy I could do well for the team.”

In the absence of injured skipper Michael Clarke, Australia’s batting line-up crumbled on the way to a paltry total of 154.

South Africa reached their victory target with 134 balls to spare to level the five-match series at 1-1 heading into Wednesday’s clash in Canberra.

Warner’s dismissal for a duck sparked the carnage on Sunday, but Morkel said the Australian opener wasn’t the only threat South Africa had to worry about.

“They bat quite low down. Even Nathan Coulter-Nile at 10 is a very dangerous player,” Morkel said.

“They are quality, attacking players. And if you’re not on the money, they’re going to make you pay.”