http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 not bothered with ‘chokers’ tag, says fully fit Jacques Kallis
South African all-rounder, Jacques Kallis says he is not concerned about his team’s reputation as chokers.
The 35-year old thinks that the Proteas side is in excellent shape ahead of their first match in the ICC World Cup, 2011 against the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 on Thursday. South Africa have made it to the semi-finals of the mega tournament thrice, only to succumb under
pressure or be ousted with bad luck.
“A lot is being made in the media about the chokers tag. But we players don't even think about it. Every time the team loses people say the team has choked. But it is certainly not something which haunt us”, Kallis said.
Kallis believes that the team is least bothered about what the media has to say about them; instead there focus is on winning matches. The team boasts off a list of players who are mostly new to playing on the grand stage.
“We have http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Young-c41367 team, 11 out of the 15 have never played in a World Cup. So it doesn't bother us. We are just worried about playing good cricket,” Kallis said.
The South African team is once again a serious contender for cricket’s biggest event. They have been touted the favourites to win several times, but have failed to lift the premier trophy.
The Proteas made it to the semi-finals in 1992, 1999 and 2007 but have never progressed to the final. The failure to do so has been attributed to the team’s inability to cope with pressure.
The current team, lead by Graeme Smith has a very good opportunity of breaking the jinx and shedding their image as chokers. Their Group B match against the unpredictable West Indies will be an interesting encounter; their performance will set the tone for
the later matches.
The Proteas have a very good mix of experienced and talented young players who are extremely capable of overcoming any team they come across. Boosting South Africa’s ranks will be Kallis who has completely recovered from his injury.
“So far, everything is going according to plan. I have been bowling for about a week. I am 100 per cent fit for the match. In fact, most of the guys are in good condition, raring to go. The good thing is that we have all the 15 to pick from,” Kallis said.
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