South Africa has to overcome Adversity !

According to the bookies, SA are 11/2 favourites. This is in consonance with the position of the Heavens.

South Africa was born with Leo rising, Jupiter in the Second, Moon in the Seventh, and the Ascendant Lord, the Sun in the 10th. It is a powerful horoscope and she is undergoing the favourable 2nd Transit of Jupiter.

So far, so good. But the 12th lord's reign is fraught with dangers. South Africans are warned that the subcontinental conditions are different, the inexperience of the 11 a problem, spin tracks of the subcontient problematic etc. The 12th lord's Dasa or period of directional influence can be adverse and there are a lot of impediments and obstacles in their way !

Graeme Smith, captain of SA, feels that the subcontinental pitches will be conducive to batting.

"An open tournament will it be " said he. The powerplays will be highly important and good finishings in both batting and bowling will bring home the bacon.


"Conditions are going to be quite batter-friendly, so scores might be quite high. I think we have a solid top five and top six batting lineup. Finishing, with bat and ball, is something we need to be really strong on. I think that's going to be crucial throughout the World Cup," Smith averred.

"Power-play three, when that's taken and how that's used and how's its managed with both bat and ball, is also going to be important.

"For me, power-play three is not so much about when you take it but how you play it, the execution of it. We've spoken a lot about it and when to take it. I personally would like to take it when guys are in and there's going to be a good partnership going, rather than when guys are just starting out at the crease," he said.

Six teams are capable of winning the Cup and that it would be a "very open World Cup."

"It is a very open World Cup. England have some good players who will be fit for the World Cup. Australia are always very solid performers in this form of the game. Fatigue for the two of them might be an issue. I think England are home for three days before they travel to India for the World Cup," Smith said.

"The subcontinent teams are always wily and street smart in their own conditions. They will always be a factor. Bangladesh will pull off a few surprises in front of all their fans," said the world class opener.

Of the 15 SA players, only 4 have played in World Cup. Kallis, Smith, de Villiers and Dale Steyn. The rest 11 players are devoid of World Cup experience.