Even though it is not such a foreign sensation to see the national cricket team crash out of another ICC event earlier than expected, it does leave South African fans with a bit of a conundrum... Who should they support? Barend Prins gives his two cents...

Had the Champions trophy been hosted in ? say ? Pakistan, interest in the event in South Africa would arguably have ground to a halt following the Proteas' early elimination.

The fact of the matter is, the tournament is dominating the airwaves and hogging television time (yes, even the SABC have splurged on some of the broadcasting rights!) in South Africa ? and the hosts, well, they are no more.

Obviously there are many supporters from all of the competing (or remaining) nations, but the majority of the tickets for the latter stages of the tournament would undoubtedly have been snapped up by locals ? hoping to see their team in action, however presumptuous that might have been at the time.

That begs the question though, which of the four semifinalists are you supporting for the remainder of the tournament?

Why don't you decide for yourself:

Pakistan:

In a way you have to feel sorry for the Pakistani team after all the strife they have had to endure over the last couple of years ? both on and off the field. The tournament should, after all, have been played in front of their fanatical supporters, which could have been to their advantage (and maybe even to South Africa's advantage?!). On the other hand, they do not come across as the most likeable bunch of fellows ? even without Shoaib Akhtar in the team ? and quite a few South Africans might still have the World T20 defeat to the Pakis in July still fresh in their collective memories.

England:

Whether we like it or not, England is still very much a part of South African culture. English sport is followed far more closely than any other country's in South Africa; we tend to follow English news, we are part of the Commonwealth, heck, even this article is written in their language! Never mind the host of 'English' sportsman that are actually from here or the South African citizens that have British passports due to their English ancestors. Let's take Kevin Pietersen, for instance; that is exactly why I do not expect masses of support from the locals for the English. Even though they are a slightly less loathsome bunch without K-Piet in the side, I wouldn't support them even if they were the only team competing. And after 'runner-gate' (when Andrew Strauss would not allow a wilting Graeme Smith a runner), most of the local support would no doubt be feeling the same way at the moment.

Australia:

Even though they have become a slightly more likeable team of late, accompanied by becoming a far worse team than they used to be, the Aussies are arguably still the Proteas' greatest rivals on the field. Australia and the Proteas have had so many great tussles over the years and despite begrudgingly having my respect ? in a similar way the All Blacks do I suppose ? it still far more enjoyable watching them lose than it is to see them win. Unless it is against the Poms of course!

New Zealand:

Almost by default, New Zealand are the team I will be supporting for the rest of the tournament. The Black Caps seems have the worst luck with injuries of any Test-playing nation, especially to their best players. None of Chris Cairns, Shane Bond or Jacob Oram ? arguably their best players over the last two decades ? have played nearly as much international cricket as their talent suggests they should, which makes their achievements since the 1990s so much more remarkable. However, despite being most people's favourites, ask yourself this; what have the Kiwis actually achieved? Just about the same as the Proteas ? one Champions Trophy triumph along with regular semifinals in the major competitions. And they seem to be a decent bunch of blokes as well.

  • Who will YOU be supporting for the remainder of the tournament? Vote in our poll or leave your comments below!