The Proteas squad:
"It's a well-balanced unit with batting depth and two of the world's top three bowlers in Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock and a Jonty Rhodes-drilled fielding side led by Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers. It would be nice to have a wicket-taking spinner, though."

South Africa's key men:
"Smithy and Scooter (Herschelle Gibbs) - they must get the runs up front. Smith, as captain, must use his bowlers as conditions dictate and be brave enough to take risks."

Other favourites:
"The Aussies - once they bring out the big guns in the Caribbean, they may be unstoppable."

Stars to watch:
"Herschelle Gibbs - He is pure class when the chips are down... AB de Villiers - He's fiery and classy. He can really make his mark in this tournament."

Lion-hearted swing-bowling all-rounder Simons played 23 One-Day Internationals for South Africa between 1994 and 1995, before going on to coach the Proteas at the 2003 Cricket World Cup after a successful stint as Western Province coach.

By Matthew Marcus