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SOUTH AFRICA

Mature and powerful, South Africa can justify their status as favourites. There are two danger times - the opening three matches,which could sink their hopes before the tournament is much more than a week old, and the knockout stage of semifinals and final, where any one of the four survivors could hit excellent form in the final week.

Strengths: Depth in batting and seam bowling, dazzling fielding, an outstanding captain and a hard core of experienced players who are used to winning.

Weaknesses: The slow bowling is no more than adequate and it is unfortunate that the World Cup came six months too late for the combative Pat Symcox.

Potential match-winners: Jac-ques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener, Hansie Cronjé, Allan Donald, Daryll Cullinan, Gary Kirsten, Jonty Rhodes - indeed most of the team.

Prediction: Provided they get off to a good start, South Africa could win the group and go on to take the Cup.

INDIA

Despite a mediocre record in England - with their triumph in the 1983 final a shining exception - India could be a big threat. Their batting is excellent, although it is crucial that Sachin Tendulkar has fully recovered from back trouble. He missed India's most recent tournaments, in which they were outplayed by Pakistan.

Strengths: Outstanding batsmen, with five men having scored two or more one-day international centuries in the past two seasons. Javagal Srinath is a world-class fast bowler and Anil Kumble an excellent containing spin bowler.

Weaknesses: Not enough depth in their bowling. They seldom transfer their home form to seaming pitches.

Potential match-winners: Sa-chin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Saurav Ganguly, Ajay Jadeja, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath.

Prediction: Provided Tendulkar has a good tournament, India could reach the semifinals.

ENGLAND

There is much optimism about England' chances in their own country. They have played in three finals without winning the prize.

Strengths: Home advantage and a seam attack well suited to English pitches. Graeme Hick is an explosive batsman who can win matches on his own.

Weaknesses: Too many mediocre allrounders, who will be exposed if the sun shines and the pitches are true. It is an ageing team with seven men over 30 nd only Andrew Flintoff younger than 27.

Potential match-winners: Dar-ren Gough, Graeme Hick, Alec Stewart, Graham Thorpe, Andrew Flintoff.

Prediction: England are unlikely to meet the expectations of their supporters, although they should reach the Super Six.

SRI LANKA

The flamboyant batting which carried Sri Lanka to the World Cup in Asia three years ago is unlikely to prevail in English conditions. Key players Sanath Jayasuriya (broken arm) and Muttiah Muralitharan (shoulder operation) are just back from long-term injuries.

Strengths: The ability to score at a rapid rate if Jayasuriya and Romesh aluwitharana get them off to reasonable starts. Arjuna Ranatunga is a wily captain adept at getting the best out of limited bowling resources, while Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva are two of the best one-day batsmen around.

Weaknesses: The core of the side may have been together too long. Apart from Mahela Jayawardene no new stars have emerged since the last World Cup. With the exception of Muralitharan, Sri Lanka' bowling is weak.

Potential match-winners: Sa-nath Jayasuriya, Aravinda de Silva, Arjuna anatunga, Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene.

Prediction: Sri Lanka may be on their way home after the first round. Their opening match against England will be crucial.

ZIMBABWE

With a settled team and a solid, improving record over the past two seasons, Zimbabwe are capable of giving all their opponents a tough game.

Strengths: Zimbabwe's batting is fairly reliable, with plenty of experience at the top of the order. An excellent fielding side.

Weaknesses: With their small player base, it is hardly surprising that Zimbabwe lack depth, with fast bowler Heath Streak and legspinner Paul Strang their only bowlers of true international class.

Potential match-winners: Alistair Campbell, Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Murray Goodwin, Heath Streak, Paul Strang.

Prediction: Zimbabwe will be competitive but are unlucky to be in a tough group. They could challenge for a Super Six place but are likely to fall short.

KENYA

Kenya have become the best of the non-Test cricket countries. They beat the West Indies at the 1996 World Cup but will be rank outsiders in the group.

Strengths: Kenya are better prepared than in 1996 and have a nucleus of players with reasonable experience.

Weaknesses: There is not enough quality in either batting or bowling.

Potential match-winners: Ken-nedy Otieno, Steve Tikolo, Maurice Odumbe.

Prediction: Kenya will gain more valuable experience before returning home empty-handed.

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