A confident South African side expect to have their front-line pace attack available for their cricket World Cup semi-final clash with New Zealand.
Right-armer Vernon Philander missed the quarter-final win over Sri Lanka as well as three of the six pool matches with a hamstring complaint.
But he is set to rejoin fellow seamers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel against the Black Caps in Auckland on Tuesday.
Skipper AB de Villiers says Philander is “ready to go”, giving the Proteas a fully fit squad to choose from.
De Villiers also has no concerns about the Proteas’ mindset ahead of the clash at Eden Park.
Having had to deal repeatedly with the “chokers” tag the team have carried from their past cup failures, he believes the trophy is as good as theirs if they play to their potential.
“I feel the team is in a really good space at a really good time and we’ve got a lot of reason to be confident for tomorrow’s game,” he said.
“I’ve mentioned before that I believe, if we play to our full potential, nobody is going to stop us in this tournament.”
De Villiers indicated he no longer had an issue with confronting the Proteas’ history in the tournament, where the furthest they have reached is the semi-final stage.
“I’ve gone through the whole package of feeling emotional about it, fighting against it, then accepting it, then fighting again,” he said.
“Honestly I’m not putting emphasis on that at this World Cup at all.
“I’m the guy who’s got to answer those questions, and I don’t mind doing that, but I know the squad is in a really good space.”
New Zealand have won the past three World Cup meetings between the sides.
In the last tournament in 2011, the Black Caps eliminated the Proteas in the quarter-finals with a 49-run victory in Dhaka.
De Villiers said his main memory of that match was “we lost”.
“It wasn’t a great game for us as a cricket team,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, I could walk off the field knowing I gave it my best shot. There’s no regrets about that game.”
Cantab
Guest
Would appear Grant Elliott did.
13th Man
Guest
Considering India hasn't scored more than 308 all tournament meanwhile Australia has scored over 400 and also scored 380 against Sri Lanka and 360 against the Poms! I don't quite see your logic Bilal! Anyway we all know you are just stirring the pot!
13th Man
Guest
Why the hell are you supporting India then Bilal? If your a pakistani wouldn't you be wanting the Indians to lose just like Aus loves England to lose. PS if Aus does 'upset' India make sure you turn up here friday morning and cop it from all of us!
Alan
Guest
Spoke too soon AB. The Black Caps had all the pressure and came through.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Never claimed you were Indian Bilal, so please don't feel sorry for me. I am just wondering the paradigm in which a Lahori can come about to support India and NZ equally while commenting on an Australian website. It's quite a nifty combo you got going. And by "t20 sloggers" do you mean Australia? That's quite an undeserved title for a team that's never won a T20 world cup. But on another note, if Australia are "t20 sloggers", are India - "Test-match pedigree"? That really would be demeaning the standards of cricket if were to herald India as our game's finest. And if you are sick and tired Bilal, please feel free to leave at any time you wish. I don't mind your supporting of India (although it's intriguing), but I do mind that you use your support of a team to have unsubstantiated potshots at a side most here support, for no other reason than to be a cheap baiter.
bilal
Guest
I am actually sick and tired of people claiming that I am Indian Lahore is in Pakistan last time I checked India will slaughter the t20 sloggers and meet the Kiwis in the final which should be an amazing match as I support kiwis and India equally. If you still think I am Indian then I feel sorry for you.
sd
Guest
actually bilal is virat kohli using fake id.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
How is India "made for chasing"? Because they've chased a few totals? So have South Africa, so have New Zealand, and has Australia. Indeed, India do not have anyone coming in at number 8 like Faulkner, while Australia does not have a batsman as calm as Dhoni (although Steve Smith's composure is excellent). The way you make it sound Bilal, is that Australia shouldn't even bother turning up. I acknowledge that India may win, but if they do, they'll do it through the skin of their teeth ala New Zealand in Auckland. Australia won't roll over on their home turf, and if they do win, it will be cited when near 1b exaggerative fans overestimated their own team and underestimated the opponent.
taylorman
Roar Guru
And get off the SA NZ thread Bile...sorry, I threw up...Bilal...
Renegade
Roar Guru
Max, bilal's comments are a joke.... i'm quite certain everything he posts is a g-up.. "do some research, every expert is tipping India".... that's only if your research has got you as far as the Hindustan Times.
taylorman
Roar Guru
So why did India lose to Oz in recent series matches- because they just love doing that?
The Bush
Roar Guru
I'm not the one who made the comment mate, you said "everyone is tipping them" - I just established that one of the world's largest and most reputable bookies is not tipping them at all and in fact has them at quite a distinct margin...
bilal
Guest
Have you forgot India is made for chasing? Australias only chance to win is to bat first nothing more nothing less will do. Australia struggled to restrict sri lanka they went above 300 India can add 50 odd or more if they chase.
bilal
Guest
Bet365 also stated west Indies would wipe Ireland out they also stated India would get a punching in by the saffas pakistan also tended to disagree with these stupid bookies.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Regarding bilal's views, I wonder what his thoughts are if Australia bats first and makes 350, and then India has to face scoreboard pressure. For one thing I do agree with him is that the team that bats first that scores 300+ will be favoured to win. Chasing has been notoriously difficult this World Cup.
The Bush
Roar Guru
The research shows that every major bookies has Australia comfortable favourites. I think I'll take Bet 365's stance over yours buddy...
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
I believe there is.
bilal
Guest
Ok maybe the final is a toss up but India will put up a solid fight after they see off Australia on the 26th.
maximillian
Guest
I agree that this Australian side isnt as strong as previous editions but 1 of the things from this WC is that there is no clear favourite. All 4 of the remaining sides have strengths & weaknesses so they all have the potential to win. With that in mind I dont understand how you can be so blindingly confident in India? You're already talking about winning the final & the semi is still 2 days away?
bilal
Guest
I am not one for talking things up Australia is no longer the world beating side of the 2000s you must be kidding me david warner and finch could not even tie pontings laces he openers are a joke an even bigger joke is the so called big mean Johnson apart from Starc what can Australia throw at India they need a Mcgrath or a lee Indias batting will scoff at Johnson and play out starc then smash the rest to oblivion.