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‘Subcontinent teams favourites’
DUBAI — South Africa have always produced outstanding one-day international teams, but they haven’t succeeded in winning the World Cup so far. Would the forthcoming World Cup in the subcontinent next year be any different for the Proteas? Highly unlikely, feels former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener.
Though he would wish to see his team emerge the eventual winner, conditions in the subcontinent are not ideal for them, according to Klusener. “I think it’s going to be tough for us, playing in the subcontinent. We had our chances along the way in Australia, South Africa and England, where the conditions suited us,” Klusener, who played in the Dubai Super Sixes at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, told Khaleej Times. “It doesn’t mean to say that we are not going to compete,” he said.
The dashing batsman, who played several stellar knocks in the 1999 World Cup, believes spin would play a major role in the World Cup.
“We just have to be really smart about the way we play our spin bowling because it is going to be a factor there.”
Though bothered about his team’s failure to win the World Cup, he is hopeful of a change in fortunes. “It is one of the big ICC trophies that’s still missing. We are ever hopeful and we know it is another opportunity for us. The boys are preparing well back home. They are coming here to Dubai as well to play, which is not bad preparation for them. And then we have got India back home. Preparations are there. It’s just a matter of getting over the line now.”
The 39-year old, who tried his luck in Twenty20 cricket with the Indian Cricket League, thinks a team from the subcontinent would win the Cup.
“I guess it would probably be a subcontinent team. India have chances. Sri Lanka...don’t count them out. And Pakistan too, if they get it all together, they are going to be the teams to beat. At the same time, Australia and South Africa are very good one-day sides. England are not playing bad cricket either. So everyone is playing well but I guess it would be a subcontinent team that will emerge the best in the final,” he said.
On South Africa’s upcoming series against Pakistan in the UAE, which starts on October 26, he said it would be a tough series. “I think the two sides are very well balanced. I know Pakistan is going through a little bit of turbulence at the moment. Certainly, from a South African point of view, that might help. But Pakistan is always a competitive unit and certainly we have to play well. I think spin is going to play a part in the result. We all are looking forward to the series,” he said.
Klusener tipped England as slight favourites for the Ashes, starting next month in Australia. “I would like to think so. But Australia, at home, is a tough team to beat. For a change, both sides are evenly matched. England always seem to get up for the Ashes. The last couple of Ashes, we’ve seen England stand up. So it is some thing we are looking forward to,” he added.
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