For England, this is the second stage of a 10-week tour of the country, so far a fairly fruitless sojourn. Both Tests were saved from perilous situations and South Africa won the two one-day games convincingly.

South Africa begin the tournament with a game against India tomorrow and both teams are considered to be among the favourites for the trophy. The hosts will look to their wicketkeeper, MornŽ van Wyk, and opening batsman, Johan Myburgh, to underpin their batting, while India have several members of the side who won the World Under-15 Cup in England two years ago.

There is a general respect for the Australians, partly because of the strength of their senior side and also because they are coached by Allan Border. However, New Zealand, England's first opponents on Monday, played them recently and lost in a close one-day series.

After New Zealand, England play Namibia and Bangladesh and will hope to proceed from their pool to the super-league stage, which comprises two groups of four with the winners meeting in the final on Feb 1.

England have talent in abundance for one-day cricket, particularly in their batting, but the likes of Owais Shah, the captain, Graeme Swann and Graham Napier need to apply themselves more at the crease.

PRELIMINARY RD.- Tomorrow: Sth Africa v India (Johannesburg). Monday: Kenya v Scotland (Soweto); New Zealand v England (Pretoria); Denmark v Ireland (Pretoria). Tuesday: India v Scotland (Johannesburg); England v Namibia (Randjesfontein); Sri Lanka v Ireland (Benoni). Thursday: Sth Africa v Scotland (Potchefstroom); England v Bangladesh (Pretoria); Pakistan v Ireland (Johannesburg).