South African cricketer Morne van Wyk feels the close One-day series against India has helped them prepare well for the tough World Cup battle ahead.
South Africa won the series 3-2 after winning the decisive fifth match, in which van Wyk scored a crucial half-century for his side.
"The victory definitely boosted our confidence, but even if we lost, it would not have been the end of our Cup chances. It's better that we had to struggle rather than win the series 4-1 or 5-0, because in that way we have been forced to find answers to some tough questions," Van Wyk told Sport24 on Monday
However, the wicket-keeper batsman says past results won't count when the ICC flagship event begins next month in the Indian sub-continent since there are many contenders for the title.
"The tournament is something completely different and each of the teams starts on an equal footing, irrespective of their recent results," he said.
van Wyk is aware that he may not feature in the playing XI regularly since experienced Jacques Kallis will return to side after recovering from his injury but is still in positive frame of mind.
"Jacques is the kind of player that no team can afford to leave out. Of course I don't wish injury or poor form on any of my team-mates, but it's a long tournament and anything is possible," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"Jacques is the kind of player that no team can afford to leave out. Of course I don't wish injury or poor form on any of my team-mates, but it's a long tournament and anything is possible," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"I don't care where I have to walk out in the batting order, and whether I have to stand behind the wickets or in the field. I have even started working on my bowling again – just in case the team may need me in that role," he added.