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Friday, Dec 01, 2006
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Twenty20: India takes on depleted South Africa

Special Correspondent

Johannesburg: Some call it the game's future. Others say it is cricket's worst nightmare. Twenty20 cricket evokes extreme reactions.

History will be made at the Wanderers on Friday evening when India takes part in its first Twenty20 international contest.

The South Africans, despite the absence of stars, are not likely to make the occasion a memorable one for the visitors, though.

The host will be without key players — Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, Mkhaya Ntini, Andre Nel and Andrew Hall. But they will not be without confidence.

The selectors here are keen on cricketers like Tyron Henderson, Albie Morkel, Roger Telemachus, Robin Peterson and Johan van der Wath showcasing their talent.

"We have depth in our cricket," says selection panel chief Haroon Lorgat.

South Africa will be hosting the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in September 2007 — Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban have been selected as venues — and much importance is being attached to cricket of this variety in these parts.

Exciting prospects

Pace bowling all-rounders Morkel and van der Wath are considered exciting prospects. Van der Wath, in fact, played an important role in South Africa's historic run-chase against Australia here not too long ago.

Skipper Graeme Smith, desperately out of form with the willow, will receive a chance to get some runs behind his name. Interestingly, his opening partner, Loots Bosman, is the first batsman to score a century in Twenty20.

The Indians arrived here on Thursday afternoon and spend a quiet day in the team hotel.

V.V.S. Laxman is expected to arrive here on Friday morning. It remains to be seen if the senior batsman would be included in the eleven.

The Indian pacemen's ability to send down yorkers — the key ball in this form of game — will be tested.

The match begins at 6 p.m. (9.30 p.m. IST).

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