When South Africa women take to the field at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack on Friday, they would have got sound tips on how to prepare for their World Cup campaign in India, for Anjum Chopra, one of the most experienced hands in Indian women's cricket, has joined their coaching ranks after she was left out of the India team.

For many, it would be odd not to see the former skipper in India's blues, but Chopra is excited with her role as a technical consultant for South Africa. "It's going green for me now," she chuckles. "When Kirsten wore the India jersey for long, why not me?"

To get familiar with the players, she accompanied the team on the West Indies tour before the tournament. "I had played with some of them and it took me two days to adapt to their culture and know them. It has been smooth so far."

The team will take on New Zealand in their opening game. "The pitch between South Africa and India is very different. I have told them how to approach on the slow and low pitches."

Her contract expires after the World Cup, but Chopra won't mind a longer stint with the side that finished seventh in 2009. "Something may come about but it is up to Cricket South Africa."