GROUP A
Australia
The defending champions proved that they have plenty of depth in their ruthless despatching of England. But will four days be enough to acclimatise.
West Indies
Don’t bother backing this cobbled-together outfit, assembled from obscure veterans and fresh-faced greenhorns. The big names are all on strike.
Pakistan
After the suspension of cricket in Pakistan, success at this year’s World Twenty20 was one of the heart-warming stories of the year. Look out for Shahid Afridi.
India
Won the last big event in South Africa - the World Twenty20 of 2007 - and have just seen their talisman Sachin Tendulkar make a welcome return to form.
GROUP B
New Zealand
England’s best chance to sneak a win must come against this team, whose coach Andy Moles will be going up against his native country for the first time.
Sri Lanka
Always a threat thanks to an unorthodox attack and deep batting bolstered by gritty Thilan Samaraweera, who has recovered from a bullet-wound to find the form of his life.
South Africa
The hosts are ranked No 1 in the world and yet perennial big-tournament underachievers. Can Jeremy Snape’s positive thinking exercises end the jinx?
England
Under-strength and mentally exhausted, Andrew Strauss’s men are at such a low ebb that even one win from their three qualifiers would be a decent result.
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