Third Time Lucky...............Hopefully!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So,the time has finally come for SA to 'stand up' and 'be counted'.Today,SA will be playing their WC semifinal match against Australia.As I mention that,I am sure the 'choker' tag associated with the South Africans would have erupted in the minds of cricket aficionados reading this.Ya,whether the South Africans like it or not,that tag is here to stay irrespective of the fact that the RSA defeated the Ozzies last year in a one day series 3-2 culminating in that fantafabulous,record-breaking win at the Wanderers.A good way to eliminate this tag would be to defeat Australia and book a place in the final and win the WC.

To be honest,I was quite disappointed with Mickey Arthur's comments a few weeks back when he said that the RSA would prefer not facing Australia in the semifinal.Now that smacks of defensiveness.At that time, SA were ranked the number one team in the world.Now,if you are number 1 and still say that you do not want to face a particular side in the semifinal,that exposes certain tough questions about,firstly,the rankings and secondly,the strength of the South African team.You have got to be prepared to play any team in the world in any situation if you are to be considered a truly great side.RSA has a chance tomorrow to prove something.To be honest, SA is the only side who I believe can truly challenge Australia and that is not because of my love for South African cricket(certainly not because my heart is saying that........I am not letting emotions dictate what I am saying.....which is what happened in India before the Indian team's departure proving that the majority of India is filled with 'emotional jerks').I am saying this for several reasons.History is one.The South Africans have given Australia a tough fight on most occasions.The one day series last year in the RSA was won by the South Africans 3-2,the series being clinched by the South Africans by winning the 5th match at Johannesburg,chasing down 434............now beat that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!It was a 'pressure-cooker' match and the South Africans won it in under intense pressure in front of their home crowds(now......imagine the pressure the South Africans would have been in with their home crowds so passionately cheering for them.....but they did it........and jeez..........to see the faces of crestfallen Aussie cricketers was a delight).The other reason is that this South African team,when fully fit, well picked and playing to its full potential without getting out playing soft shots can be a destructive team.All those factors will have to work for SA .That is going to be a challenge.

Smithy is going to have to contribute with the bat for he is so crucial to their fortunes.AB de Villiers will also have to do the same.If they get going like they did in St.Kitts and Nevis at Warner Park,the South Africans would prove to be unstoppable.Kallis will have to play a crucial role with bat and ball.He will have to step up the pace with the bat as he has done after the Australian match.He is a class act and so I don't want to be too critical of him.Gibbs should play the way he does normally for he is a loose cannon like the 'old Virender Sehvaag'.Justin Kemp, I think must be persevered with.Prince also should be included to give a bit of 'old fashioned solidity' to the South African middle order.Now,the bowling.Polly,Langeveldt,Nel and Hall-my bowling line up.Period.No place for Ntini.I can't belive I am saying this.But he has been pretty woeful in this WC.He doesn't deserve a place in the starting line up.Pollock must open the bowling,knowing fully well that Hayden will target him.Still,Polly is an experienced guy and Ithe team management should trust him.Nel should give him company at the other end.If Polly can't get it right,Langeveldt should be brought into the attack.And please,no Peterson.His selection in the final fifteen itself was a mistake,I feel.He is not to be selected just for the sake of being selected.The South Africans should stick to an all-pace attack,for that is their strength.And no 'nonsensical sledging' from Andre Nel.Just shut up and do the business like he did against England.No conservative cricket from the South Africans.The need of the hour is 'intelligent and attacking' cricket.And,if they win the toss,I would stick my neck out and say,RSA should bowl first and exploit the early morning swing.

So, all in all,it promises to be a fantastic match and lets hope that RSA wins for they truly deserve destiny to be on their side.They have suffered enough.If,however,I had to pick a winner,Australia would be my choice,unfortunately.But I would be the HAPPIEST if my prediction turned out to be wrong,trust me!!!!!!!!

My RSA eleven for tomorrow' match:
Graeme Smith(Captain)
A B de Villiers
Jacques Kallis
Herschelle Gibbs
Ashwell Prince
Justin Kemp
Mark Boucher(wk)
Shaun Pollock
Andrew Hall
Andre Nel
Charl Langeveldt...............Dump quota politics in the dust-bin at this juncture atleast!!!!!!!!!!!!