Live stream (hopefully)
http://crictime.com/server7.htmIt’s been eight years since Mark Boucher pumped his fists in a short-lived joy on that fateful day in Durban. Then it sunk in that South Africa got their math wrong. Like in Sydney 1992 — best remembered for the bizarre rain rule, 22 off one ball — Messrs Duckworth and Lewis did play their part to imperfection. Shaun Pollock lost his job and a 22-year-old burly chap was handed over the reins of Team South Africa.
Graeme Smith continued from where his predecessor left, failing to win a world title all these years, but something tells you he means business this time. Irrespective of whether South Africa shed the chokers tag — oops, you are not supposed to utter that word in Smith’s presence — or not, he will step down after the World Cup. The Proteas go into the quadrennial showpiece with a superbly-talented squad, an enviable recent record and, above all, a renewed desire to lift that coveted trophy.
Their opponents on Thursday will be the West Indies, a side replete with experienced stalwarts and talented all-rounders, but South Africa have beaten them in each of the last 10 ODIs. To their advantage, the Caribbean outfit is in its ‘rebuilding’ stage, but alas, the new bricks have forever ceased to arrive. What’s more, Darren Sammy & Co have recorded 21 straight losses in ODIs against Test-playing nations. In short, Smith couldn’t have asked for a better opener at a venue that’s not hosted international cricket since December 2009.
“I feel I am best prepared going into this tournament as I have been throughout my career. I am just excited to be able to lead the guys,” he said on Wednesday.
On paper, South Africa look simply marauding. A pace battery that comprises Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and, of course, the ever-reliable Jacques Kallis can send shivers down any batsman’s spine. Interestingly, they have plenty of spinners to choose from too. Robin Peterson, Johan Botha, Imran Tahir and Faf du Plessis can all be a handful on subcontinental wickets. The batting line-up is full of stars with Smith at the top. Hashim Amla, Kallis, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy are the others who’d be expected to be among the runs. The Proteas have always had exciting fielding units, and a dive here and a direct hit there, could always keep them in the game. The ingredients are all there, but inspiration is what this unit needs. Fingers crossed.
Conversely, the West Indians seem to be going in with a nothing-to-lose mindset. Skipper Sammy tackled every query with a smile, but he tackled them nonetheless. “Cricket is one uniting force that binds all the Caribbean islands together. I am proud to be leading this unit. We, too, have a lot to play for,” his tone suddenly changed.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, the Bravo brothers — Dwayne and Darren — and Sammy ooze talent, but can they fire in unison? Kemar Roach and Ravi Rampaul will share the new ball, while left-arm spinners Suleiman Benn, Nikita Miller and offie Gayle will make use of the footmarks.
Thursday’s match will be all about South Africa’s renewed desire, West Indies’s leisurely swagger and, of course, a lot of dew. Who’ll blink first?
Who will blink first -South Africa or West Indies? - Sport - DNA
