South Africa Twenty20 prospects
South Africa factbox for the Twenty20 World Cup opening at Lord's on Friday:
South Africa factbox for the Twenty20 World Cup opening at Lord's on Friday:
Strengths
Boast a strong and deep batting lineup. Batsmen of the calibre of Graeme Smith and the in-form JP Duminy and AB de Villiers are all skilled Twenty20 cricketers while all-rounder Albie Morkel is one of world cricket's most fearsome hitters.
Weaknesses
Will be concerned about their lack of suitable bowlers in the final overs. Fast bowler Dale Steyn will provide plenty for the opposition to think about from one end but South Africa's choices are limited at the other.
Key Player
Proteas' captain and opening batsman Smith plays a vital role. He leads from the front and if he can get his team off to good starts, and shrug off the effects of a tennis elbow injury, South Africa will be confident of a successful tournament.
Odds 9/2
Squad
Graeme Smith (Captain), Yusuf Abdulla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Roelof van der Merwe.