Judging from the excitement in the streets and at this morning's net session, almost everyone - man, woman and child, black, white, coloured and Asian - in this sprawling city is anxiously awaiting the contest which, according to South African president Nelson Mandela, can play a part in uniting his people.

Among those who do not appear excited about the start of the contest which was impossible up to seven years ago due to apartheid are the West Indies. In stark contrast to their usual confidence which some times bordered on arrogance, they look worried and appear scared.

``We have to keep our fingers crossed,'' said a softy speaking captain Brian Lara this morning - 48 hours before the first ball is delivered. ``Things have not been going our way and we only have a few days left.''

In the two first-class matches to date, the West Indies have performed poorly. At Kimberley, Griquas ticked off 435 for nine in their second innings to snatch a draw, at Bloemfontein, Free State, after crashing for 67, rattled up 438 for eight to win the match and that should be cause for concern.

That, however, is not Lara's main worry.

After hoping, despite the embarrassment at Kimberley and Bloemfontein, that his best bowlers together would be good enough for South Africa, Lara is suddenly without right-arm legspinner Dinanath Ramnarine, who is on his way home with an injured right shoulder and may be without fast bowler Curtly Ambrose who is suffering from an old injury to his left knee.

``We have problems, serious problems,'' said Lara as Ambrose hobbled away to the doctor in the company of physiotherapist Denis Waight. ``To be without Dinanath is one thing, to be without Curtly would be something else. I hope he will be OK.''

According to the West Indies captain, the tour selectors have asked for Rawl Lewis, who is in India with the ``A'' team, to be flown in India as replacement for Ramnarine.

``We need a spin bowler on this pitch,'' said Lara, ``not only because we don't have four outstanding fast bowlers but also because this pitch has a history of assisting spin on the fourth and fifth days. We need a leggy.''

In contrast to Lara and the West Indians, Hansie Cronje and his South Africans are bubbling with confidence as they prepare for the battle in the ``Bull Ring''.

``The guys are in good form,'' said Cronje this afternoon. ``This is what they have been waiting for, and I believe they are ready.''