One hundred days before the Cricket World Cup and the preparations are starting to slow down for most countries. The show piece will be held in Australia and New Zealand. The showpiece has been dominated by Australia and this could yet another star for them. We look at the teams, and we start with South Africa: The Proteas, Labeled chokers, world beaters and the inconsistent team.
South Africa:
The Proteas are ranked top of the ICC rankings and have been the most consistent side this year. Unfortunately they suffered an embarrassing 1-4 defeat in Australia and this taught them valuable lessons ahead of the World Cup. Time zones, pitch adaptation will be factors atop their list as they look to prepare for the show piece. They are the best side at adapting in world cricket and they must master the time zone factor which will see them move not just between states but countries. Their best performances have been in the 1992, 1999 and 2007 were they crushed out in the semi-finals stage. The Proteas need to find their mental breakthrough as they always seem to come short. This could be the last chance for several stalwarts in the side to win the tournament. Can they finally break the duck? They play the West Indies and after that it will be the World Cup.
Key performers:
AB de Villiers is the captain of this side, taking over from legend Graeme Smith. The batsman has put in some eye catching, game changing, and game defining moments. The batsman who managed to use the ball recently against Australia, always used to compete with Kumar Sangakkara for the number 1 spot. If South Africa are to win their maiden trophy a consistent display is needed.
Dale Steyn is the best bowler in the world: Aggressive, fast and a weapon of mass destruction. Can the bowler be rattling the bales as the Proteas look to glory? Steyn has the ability to hit a ball as well when desperate times call for a tail end fight. Could this legend further cement his name in Protea fans folklore by winning it for them. At 31, Dale is no more a spring chicken.
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
South Africa:
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| South African ODI captain AB de Villiers |
Key performers:
AB de Villiers is the captain of this side, taking over from legend Graeme Smith. The batsman has put in some eye catching, game changing, and game defining moments. The batsman who managed to use the ball recently against Australia, always used to compete with Kumar Sangakkara for the number 1 spot. If South Africa are to win their maiden trophy a consistent display is needed.
Dale Steyn is the best bowler in the world: Aggressive, fast and a weapon of mass destruction. Can the bowler be rattling the bales as the Proteas look to glory? Steyn has the ability to hit a ball as well when desperate times call for a tail end fight. Could this legend further cement his name in Protea fans folklore by winning it for them. At 31, Dale is no more a spring chicken.
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
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