Caribbean test for Proteas

All eyes will be on the duel between Gayle and Steyn

South Africa's batsman AB de Villiers looks back to the pitch as he walks off the field after being caught out by Zimbabwe's Craig Ervine during their Cricket World Cup match in Hamilton, February 15, 2015. REUTERS/Nigel Marple (NEW ZEALAND - Tags: SPORT CRICKET)

Fresh from a Chris Gayle power show that took it to its second win in the World Cup, a buoyant West Indies will now take on South Africa, which is still licking its wounds after the 130-run hammering by India, in a Pool ‘B’ match, at the Sydney Cricket Ground here on Friday.

Once again all eyes will be on Gayle, and it will be interesting to see how the destructive opener tackles one of the most potent bowling attacks, led by Dale Steyn.

Darren Bravo, down with a hamstring injury, will sit out against South Africa too.The West Indies pace attack comprising Jerome Taylor, skipper Jason Holder and Andre Russell has also showed intent after a lacklustre showing against the William Porterfield-led side, which cantered to its 305-run target in 45.5 overs.

South Africa, however, still holds the edge against a side it completely outplayed when they met last month for a five-match ODI series. The Proteas won 4-1 to batter their opponents in all departments.

West Indies Coach Stuart Williams said the side had learnt a lot from the recent South Africa series and believes the next meeting between the two sides can be different.

Meanwhile, skipper A.B. de Villiers said the West Indies would crumble if South Africa applied the right pressure.

de Villiers said the Proteas’ confidence took a “bit of a slap” in their 130-run mauling by India last Sunday, but they were ready to bounce back against the West Indies.

South Africa cannot afford to lose as it would then have to beat Ireland, Pakistan and UAE to ensure it finishes near the top of its pool and secure an advantageous quarterfinal draw.

The teams (from):

South Africa: A.B. de Villiers (capt.), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Farhaan Behardien, J.P. Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Kyle Abbott, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, and Rilee Rossouw.

West Indies: Jason Holder (capt.), Marlon Samuels, Sulieman Benn, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor, and Nikita Miller.