Cricket World Cup

So my world cup fever is starting. I'm being positive but I think SA are in with the best chance they've had so far. We thumped Pakistan and India this past season, and are showing consistency in bowling, batting and fielding. And finally we're leading from the front rather than getting into trouble and relying on the middle order to rescue us. This could be our year!

The 15-man squad will be announced tonight. Here's who I'm picking and what I think of their abilities:

1) Graeme Smith (Finally found form. It's so vital for Smith to lead from the front, and with AB de Villiers in as well, he's needed to stabilise the top order. I'm grateful that he's stopped sending himself into bowl, because that always smacked of desperation).

2) AB de Villiers (I'm a huge fan. He's a gorgeous stroke player and lovely to watch. He's also come back from the doldrums of the India tour. His biggest failings can be put down to youth. He goes out in stupid ways because he picks the wrong balls or finds himself on the wrong foot. He looks like he's been working really hard and it's been paying off. And let's not forget his amazing fielding).

3) Jacques Kallis (There's no question here. And last night's game was just one more illustration that if he wants to he can belt 4s and 6s all over the place. He's allowed himself to gather a reputation of a slogger. I hope he'll let himself take a few more risks. His bowling is pinpoint accurate as well. Even when he's not taking wickets (which he has been of late, 2 in the game at Wanderers) he is economical. Worth his weight in gold).

4) Herchelle Gibbs (Can't leave him out, he's the fielder they can't go without. But oy, his batting record has been spotty. We'll see, because when he bats, he bats. 438 anyone?).

5) Ashwell Prince (He's developed the reputation as one of our middle order rescue guys, a reputation we hopefully won't need. He's nippy between the wickets, and with one of the big hitters on the other end - like Justin Kemp - is perfectly capable of winning a game on his own. Once again, let's hope we won't need him to do that. Every team needs a dependable unflashy player; Prince is ours).

6) Shaun Pollock (Do I really need to justify his place in the team? Oh, ok. Accurate, lethal, can swing the ball on a pitch that does nothing for anyone else, and can bat as if his life depends on it. 5/23. That was his most recent haul. From a man they were calling a has-been a year ago).

7) Mark Boucher (As indispensable as Pollock. His keeping skills are rock solid and his batting is inspired).

8) Justin Kemp (He's made a name for himself as the big hitter and has been compared to the awesome Brian McMillan. And his bowling goes as unsung as Big Mac's did. He took 2 wickets yesterday and has been making breakthroughs throughout the season. I think he's a useful change bowler and they should use his heeeeuuuuuggggeness more - he can thump a 6 out of the park).

9) Andrew Hall (Floats in and out of the team but always performs. He can bat and his bowling at the lower order is always productive. He pins them down and gets them out. He's going to be very valuable in the attack in the West Indies for his ability to restrict runs.)

10) André Nel (I've never been a fan of Nel, who often falls on the ludicrous side of aggression. But the man get's wickets. He'll have to, have to, have to work on his accuracy though. Extras lose matches).

11) Makhaya Ntini (As indispensable as Pollock. He's fast, he's innovative and he's good. He can also rotate the strike should we run out of batsman).

12) Charl Langeveldt (Has worked hard to become a really good death bowler. Can also bat if needs be. Also takes catches regularly. He'll play an important role if they allow him to).

13) Paul Harris (I haven't seen a lot of him but I think he's a spinner worth watching. The only really good and effective spinner we've ever had was Pat Symcox. I think Harris shows talent and he could be very useful).

14) Roger Telemachus (He's been tried and tested and he's fairly dependable as a backup bowler. He can get punished quite badly though because of bad line and length. But he's useful with a bat and adds depth to the lineup).

15) Robin Petersen (I'm not a fan. I don't think he's lived up to expectation but he spins the ball. And has performed with the bat in the past. We need another spinner but I think I'd rather go with the unproven but more exciting Harris).

PATTOTE: Better living through CRICKET! I'm very excited.