Selective thinking hampers optimism

The dust has now settled regarding the selection of the South African World Cup squad and it is time to discuss the main challenges that will confront the boys who will be flying the flag for South Africa.

One thing that everyone must remember is that the World Cup is won by the team peaking at the right time. Yes, the squad should have all the tools and bases covered, but first and foremost their timing must be spot on and their desire omnipresent.

A prime example of that combination resulting in success was the astonishing performance of Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup. They did not win a single game in their warm-up contests in Australia and New Zealand but some weeks later Imran Khan was proudly holding that silverware aloft, sprouting forth about his cancer hospital and in the process totally forgetting to thank his teammates! They were in complete shambles just prior to the event and the changeroom was not a place for the fainthearted. A couple of superstars of the future, namely a Wasim and a slim-line Inzi, burst onto the scene, stamped their authority, and joyously celebrated on March 25 1992. Some old hands dominated proceedings at crucnh times and that completed the victory march.

Therein lies a lesson. There are not that many games in a World Cup. It always seems a daunting task to be victorious from afar, but win at the right junctures along the way and suddenly a confident and galvanised team can go deep into the event.

There is no doubt that South Africa have erred in their travelling personnel and the non-selection of a genuine finisher is astounding. There are some important factors looming as we hurtle towards the upcoming tournament that make this even more troubling. Remember that many of the grounds that will be played on are smaller in size than most and rope clearing during the 'death overs' will sneak many a team past the post from improbable positions. The advent of T20 cricket has further developed that skill and made it a sharper focus, proving that power hitting from some way out is a prerequisite for success.

The batting power plays will also be a dominant feature and having that weapon up your sleeve to use at the opportune time will play a significant role. The ideal player to juggle that onslaught around is the swashbuckling allrounder who will delight in airborne adventures with only three players outside the 30-yard circle. Combine that component with the weather variables in the subcontinent at that time of the year, where the dew factor may well hamper spinners and seamers bowling second, and it becomes crystal clear that a potent force will be missing.

To further complicate matters this non-selection of a finisher now puts pressure on the top order to ensure they play a more conservative game and not take unnecessary risks as they will collectively need to bat deep into the innings. This will be in complete contrast to many other teams as they look to take advantage of the harder white ball coming onto the bat at the start of an innings and impose themselves at the get-go.

Personally, I would have found room for both Albie Morkel and the invested David Miller to properly cover that base.

Although this void is an extraordinary omission, it simply means that someone or a combination of players will have to step up to the plate and ensure that the desired result is achieved and big totals are posted. That will be the winning formula for this eagerly awaited tournament and knowing that the conditions will predominantly be batting friendly, various targets can be pencilled in for the ideal-paced innings prior to boarding the silver budgie.

Adversity often brings out the best in sportsmen and I think we all know that South Africa possess enough talented individuals to ensure that, come the business end of the World Cup, they will be in the trophy hunt.

A united team exuding confidence and displaying ability that enables them to play with freedom will grace the podium in Mumbai with gold medals on the 2nd of April. South Africa have some way to go before they reach that frame of mind, but they also have time. This one is wide open.