Neil Manthorp looks into his crystal ball and sees the Proteas producing a clean sweep of group matches before reaching the final in Melbourne.
The fanfare of the Proteas’ sendoff was a bit much, but hopefully the actual tournament will see less of an outside world frenzy around the team.
The Proteas’ World Cup hopes hinge on fortune allowing their world-class players to keep shining.
The Proteas can use the last matches against the Windies to hone the skills of their reserves.
The Windies have shown just how little appetite the South Africans have for flexibility.
Our top all-rounder is knocked for six after being left out of the Proteas touring squad, but will no doubt bounce back with his trademark stoicism.
More than ever, international cricket needs the team to take its place among the best once again.
The Caribbean team dream of past glory but recent history gives a brutal picture of the challenge they face.
Ultimately the South Africans were the Aussies’ equals but too many slips cost them the series.
The captain is prepared to move away from the predictable Proteas by bringing himself – and other ‘amateurs’ – on to bowl.