South Africa's rotation plan for series

And despite the pre-Standard Bank Series comments such as ``We cannot afford to underestimate the Windies'' and ``their record speaks for itself'', although that last phrase could be misconstrued to mean something else after the Windies were humiliated in the tests, Cronje would like nothing better than to start the seven match ODI circus off with a comprehensive win at the Wanderers today when the first is played.

West Indies captain Brian Lara was more admiring of South Africa and acknowledged they were the ``superior side.''

More to the point, however, Cronje yesterday revealed some of strategies likely to be used during the seven matches when the middle-net at the Wanderers Club threw up some interesting top-order permeations. He also ruled out, but not entirely, that the viral infection which had laid low Jonty Rhodes would keep him out of the side.

``Jonty's about 80% okay and we thought it wise to give him a rest to recover as he's very much part of out thinking for the one-dayers,'' said skipper Cronje he commenting of Rhode's absence from the compulsory session.. Not one to point out the obvious Cronje agreed that the merry-go-round grind of the limited overs game the rotation system has more advantages than not as it gave all players a chance; although some might not get a look in until the slog circus reaches St George's Park in Port Elizabeth tomorrow week when the fourth game is played.

``We have to give everyone a run and as it is a large squad some will have more opportunity than others as we look to find the best balance available,'' Cronje commented. ``For one thing we need to have a close look at positions three and four.''

A hint of early thinking, which in polite terms is keeping as many options open as possible, was Gary Kirsten batting with Herschelle Gibbs and Daryll Cullinan at three. Jacques Kallis, Mike Rindel and Dale Benkenstein were given chances late in the session. And as they did not bat with recognised partners the restructuring of the top-order looks to be an on-going process. This was supported by Cronje's comment of ``we have a lot of batting variables to consider''.

It was suggested that Rhodes' illness would see Cullinan open with Kirsten and Gibbs bat down the order. But Cronje, not short of the odd prank to relieve pressure, was as quick to dismiss that theory as he was when despatching Muthia Muralitharan at SuperSport Centurion last season.

``As yet we have not discussed our thinking with all the players,'' Cronje said. ``We will be doing that later (last night). With so many in the squad we need to give them all a chance to settle in.''

Which underlines the problem of selecting a squad of 17. No side is being announced until this morning, although the way the bowlers were used with Steve Elworthy opening with Shaun Pollock indicates they seem to be the new-ball partnership. Two of those likely to sit out are Victor Mpitsang and Henry Williams.

Hungry for further success, grim and determined, Cronje, whatever polite noises he may make about the Windies, is not about to relinquish the psychological advantage wrung out of the 5-0 test triumph.

Down the road at the Stadium Lara held fourth on his own views. For him both sides were gearing for the World Cup and the result of the series would hinge very much of ``getting the right team balance''.

There had been some hope that Mervyn Dillon would be allowed to stay on but the West Indies Cricket Board turned down a belated request by the team's management and was packed off home last night.

``We have put the test series out of our thoughts and have focused on the limited-overs matches,'' Lara said. ``We have a few new players and that should help us recover some of our pride. We are looking for early success.''

Squads

South Africa (from): Hansie Cronje (capt), Gary Kirsten, Mike Rindel, Daryll Cullinan, Jacques Kallis, Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener, Pat Symcox, Steve Elworthy, Nicky Boje, Dale Benkenstein, Andrew Hall, Victor Mpitsang, Henry Williams.

West Indies (from): Brian Lara (capt), Philo Wallace, Darren Ganga, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Keith Arthurton, Junior Murray, Ridley Jacobs, Carl Hooper, Floyd Reifer, Neil McGarrell, Keith Semple, Curtly Ambrose, Reon King, Rawl Lewis, Nixon McLean.

Umpires: Cyril Mitchley and Barry Lambson
TV: Danny Becker
ICC match referee: Javed Burki
TV: SABC1: 2pm; DSTV: 2pm