"It's all part of the game these days," South African captain Shaun Pollock reflected as he answered questions on the rapid turnaround - in attitude and focus - required of his players as they turn from test match cricket to one-day internationals within the space of just three days.

It is a philosophical approach which will serve the South Africans well as they prepare for seven matches on six seperate islands against the West Indies over the next three weeks. It has already been close to two months since the bulk of the touring party set off for the Caribbean, and although new arrival Jonty Rhodes buzzes about like a bee in a honeypot, South Africa's ability to raise their game and stir themselves for battle as home backons will be crucial to their chances in the series.

"It's actually quite enjoyable to be on a tour now," Rhodes said as the players relaxed at a sponsor's function on Thursday night. "The guys are already talking about going home and I've just arrived, so I've got to be careful that I'm not too enthusiastic when I know the guys have been here for a long time. I've got to try and temper my enthusiasm a bit so I don't start irritating them with my over-zestfulness!"

After their victory in the test series and with their recent one-day record (one defeat in twelve matches) South Africa will start the series as favourites. They will bat down to number nine at least, probably to ten. Their bowling options will be plentiful and all of quality. And since readmission they have looked to set the standard in the field.

Encouragingly too, Lance Klusener is beginning to suggest that his rhythm and timing are on their way back after a miserable time with the bat in the Test series. His unbeaten 42 in the six-wicket defeat of Jamaica in a warm-up game on Wednesday was ominous in its power and efficiency.

Another stand-out performer in that match and a name which is almost certain to be heard a great deal more in future is 21-year-old Justin Ontong. The all-rounder from the small and unpretentious Boland province north of Cape Town is certain to see game-time in the series and after his 2-38 from ten overs and a positive 12 not out - including a straight driven six to win the match - as South Africa chased a low total, he may even be drafted straight into the starting eleven for his first cap at Sabina Park on Saturday.

Ontong is a genuine all-rounder. He recently scored his maiden first-class century in South African domestic competition, bowls a Tendulkar-esque mixed bag of leg-breaks and off-spin and as you would expect from a young South African, is a dynamo in the field. He is young and inexperienced, but exactly the kind of player South Africa would like to see established in the side by the time of the 2003 World Cup.

Whether he does get the nod or not will depend to a large degree on what spin options the South African selectors want to take into the first game. Paul Adams has been kept on tour after both Nicky Boje and his replacement Goolam Bodi were sidelined by injury, but he is not considered a one-day specialist.

Klusener has also been described as "our version of a spinner" by captain Shaun Pollock, although the fact that he bowled off his full run-up and gained substantantial movement through the air against the Jamaicans (he took 5-23 from ten overs) would suggest he will not be asked to bowl his off-cutters.

Despite his poor run with the bat, opener Gary Kirsten is still too important a member of the one-day team to lose out quite yet, but the claims of Boeta Dippenaar will be hard to ignore if the left-hander fails to find some runs early in the series. Otherwise, the top six should have a familiar look to it.

The team below would leave Justin Kemp, Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel on the outside looking in as well. Any side which can afford to leave out that kind of talent is going to be hard to beat.

South Africa (possible): Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Jonty Rhodes, Neil McKenzie, Lance Klusener, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Justin Ontong, Roger Telemachus, Allan Donald.

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