Explosive Indian batsmen hold the key against South Africa India find themselves in the unlikely position of being the favourites when they take on South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy today. With the Indian batting line-up possessing great depth and pith, the South African camp know that they have a task on their hands. The cause of Shaun Pollock's men is not helped by the fact that some of their top players - Allan Donald, Jonty Rhodes, Alan Dawson are Nicky Boje - are struggling with injuries. While Dawson and Boje are almost certain to miss the match, Donald, though not fully fit, is expected to take the field along with Rhodes. India, meanwhile, are on a high following their crushing win over England in their last league match. Captain Sourav Ganguly echoed his side's confidence ahead of the match. "South Africa has absolutely top-notch pace bowlers in Donald and Pollock, but I've got faith in my batsmen. Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid can negotiate any attack," he observed. If the batting fires as he expects, and the bowlers and fielders put up a disciplined performance, India should make it to the final of the mini-World Cup again.

Our bowlers know this isn't going to be a walk in the park - Pollock South African skipper Shaun Pollock is under no illusions about the enormity of the task that his bowlers face when it comes to restricting the explosive Indian batsmen in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy. Speaking to mediamen ahead of the all-important encounter, Pollock said, ""We're confident, but the Indian batsmen can be quite devastating. The bowlers know this isn't going to be a walk in the park. The Indian batsmen have shown the damage that can be caused if they're allowed to take charge." Allan Donald concurred with his captain's views. "They are a very good batting line-up, especially in Sri Lanka. In any place, even in India or Pakistan, they are going to be quite devastating," he observed. "As a bowler, you've got to mix it up with pace. It is going to take a huge effort, a skilful effort, for us to pull it off," Donald added. South Africa's premier fast is one of the players who has been recovering from injuries. He, though, believes that he will be able to bowl if his leg is heavily strapped. "It goes through phases, sometimes there is pain and sometimes there isn't. Yesterday (Monday) I had it strapped up and there was no problem at all," he said. But Alan Dawson and Nicky Boje haven't been as lucky and are certain to miss the encounter. Despite the threat of India's batting and the absence of these two players, Pollock for his part remained upbeat about his side's chances: "India have played well and it should be a great game. This is the business end of the tournament and this is where we have to produce the goods. I think we have the personnel. We are pretty confident," the South African skipper observed.

Ganga to replace Lara Opening batsman Daren Ganga has been named as Brian Lara's replacement in the West Indies squad for the tour of India. The West Indies selectors made the decision after Lara pulled out of the tour as he was suffering from Hepatitis and needed at least six weeks of rest. "I'm happy to be in the squad but it's sad that Brian is not well and I hope he recovers very quickly," Ganga said. "He is a key player on the team and his experience and skills will be missed." Ganga's record as a Test batsman is nothing to write home about but the 23-year-old feels that he is now more ready than ever to set that record straight. "My main goal now is to be able to convert good starts into three figures because I realise that 40s and 50s do not cement your position in the side," he observed.

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