da marjack bet： The stage, the cast and the mission remain the same, but theproduction takes on a complete transformation
da premier bet： Haydn Gill28-Apr-2001The stage, the cast and the mission remain the same, but theproduction takes on a complete transformation.Through the window go white clothing, red balls, white sightscreensand several orthodox tactics the purists relish.In come coloured uniforms, white balls, black sightscreens and methodsof run-scoring that might not be found in cricket manuals.The five-match Test series between West Indies and South Africa isover and the attention switches to the series of seven One-DayInternationals starting here today.The emotion that gripped Sabina Park on Monday in the midst ofCourtney Walsh’s final Test appearance and the West Indies’ first Testwin since June is certain to disappear, but it doesn’t mean there willbe a shortage of excitement.CompetitiveAnd if the preceding Test series can be used as a guide, one canexpect a similarly competitive showdown in the shorter matches.The two sides have had just a few days to rest and recuperatefollowing 25 days of absorbing cricket spread over two months, andneither had any extended preparation in the abbreviated form of thegame in the build-up to this series.West Indies did not have any match practice at all, while South Africaengaged Jamaica in a 50-overs-a-side match three days ago. Neitherside, however, is complaining.We’ve been on the road for a little while. We had five Test matches,all going down to the wire and the guys deserved a little break beforecoming into seven One-Dayers, West Indies captain Carl Hooperresponded when asked if there was a need for a more extensive warm-up.It was a view echoed by his opposite number, Shaun Pollock.We played so much cricket on this tour and the one warm-up match wasperfect, he said.But he did admit it is a bit of a challenge to adjust to the demandsof the limited-overs game in such a short period.It is part and parcel of international cricket these days, Pollocksaid. We do it all the time back home.South Africa boast of an incredible recent limited-overs record thatis highlighted by ten wins in their last 11 matches, while the WestIndies’ is not so encouraging.In fact, since the 1999 World Cup, South Africa’s record is 31 winsagainst 16 defeats in 49 matches. On the other hand, West Indies lost27 matches in that period and won 16 times in 45 encounters.ExperienceHooper, however, is drawing on the experience of three years ago ontheir tour of South Africa even though the West Indies lost the series6-1.There were a number of One-Day games that were very, very close, hesaid. We were more competitive in the One-Day games than in the Testmatches.His positive outlook also stems from the fact that the West Indiesalmost matched South Africa in the recent Test series which thevisitors won 2-1.We were competitive in the Test matches and hopefully we can take thelast Test win into the One-Day series. It should be competitive and Iexpect the series to be a close one.Hooper was certain that he knew what was required to be just aseffective over the next few weeks.The only concern we have is being able to put all three aspects of ourgame together to have a good, disciplined performance.That’s what has been lacking in the past and hopefully we’ll try toget it right, Hooper said.Both sides have welcome additions who are ideally suited to this typeof cricket.Big-hitting JamaicanThe West Indies have brought in Ricardo Powell, the big-hittingJamaican who strikes the ball as hard as anyone in the game today.Also included is Antiguan seamer Kerry Jeremy, for his second One-DayInternational following his debut in Kenya last September.South Africa have an even more celebrated player. Jonty Rhodes, nowretired from Test cricket, is still arguably the finest cover fielderin the world and his worth is boosted by his busy middle-order battingand slick running between the wickets.Pollock reckoned it was vital that his side open with a victory.The first match of a series is always important. It’s nice to try andget up in it and try and set the tone for the rest of the series, hesaid.All-round depth is the key for South Africa.We’ve got a very balanced side. We bat all the way down and we’ve gota lot of guys who can contribute with the ball, Pollock said.That’s been our strength: the fact that we have guys contributing inall different areas.
