Sourav Ganguly's dismissive appraisal of South Africa means he can expect a warm welcome at the Wanderers in Johannesburg tomorrow. The Indian captain went so far as to say that `Australia is in a class of its own in world cricket at the moment'. Not a statement that will win friends or influence people on the Southern Cape. Here, the A-word is taboo. The South African cricket fraternity doesn't just have a chip on its shoulder about Australia, it has a cement block. With one eye permanently on the Australian series, South Africa might make the mistake of taking the Indian challenge lightly. Such a scenario is unlikely given the ruthless professionalism that characterises South African cricket, but the Indians can hope nonetheless. The one-day series will provide some valuable pointers while giving India a chance to play themselves into some sort of form before the Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly will be restored to the top of the order, after niggles forced them out of the game against South Africa A. How the Indians pick the rest of the side depends entirely on the mindset. A negative one will see just three regular bowlers on duty, as was the case in Sri Lanka. The form that the South African batsmen have shown of late, that would be as wise as slashing your wrist.

The brave option would be to play five bowlers, but when was the last time India showed such resolve abroad? In the unlikely event of the meek option being ignored, Rahul Dravid would bat at No. 3 in the absence of VVS Laxman. The composition of the middle order presents the tour management with a conundrum. Jacob Martin was impressive against South Africa A, and Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh have both been in the runs. Martin stands to lose out, if only because the other two are good for a few overs.

Ajit Agarkar, after a matchwinning display in the South Africa A game, could bat as high as No. 6. Deep Dasgupta, making his debut behind the stumps, will have to be at his twinkle-toed and quick-handed best against both Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Javagal Srinath, whose one-day form has been abysmal of late, will share the new ball with Agarkar, with Venkatesh Prasad likely to bowl first change. In case the Indians opt to play the extra batsman, Martin could come in for Harbhajan. If Das is preferred to Martin, he would probably replace Dravid at No. 3.

At least White Lightning won't strike India first up - Allan Donald has the flu - and Ganguly is relieved by his absence. "I remember him in Nairobi last year and he was the same Donald I have known all these years - lovely variations and pacy as ever." In his absence, Shaun Pollock will have to shoulder a considerable burden. Makhaya Ntini is quick but inclined to be erratic while Andre Nel and Justin Kemp are finding their feet. Bank on Tendulkar to go after them if he gets the chance. Claude Henderson has been hyped to the skies since his performance in Zimbabwe. Tomorrow, he'll get a first taste of the real world: no-one plays spin as well as these Indians.

Ganguly also said that the South African batting looked a bit light. Tomorrow, some of his bowlers might be wishing that he'd kept his mouth shut. Herschelle Gibbs is in the form of his life and as for Jacques Kallis, the Golden Boy can do no wrong. Add the experience of Gary Kirsten, Jonty Rhodes, Mark Boucher and Lance Klusener and you have a line-up that can actually bat a bit after all. Neil McKenzie will also be doubly keen to excel after the Indian captain doubted his ability against spin.

It should be an intriguing contest, with India likely to fall back on spin to unsettle the hosts. Judging by the form the South Africans showed in Zimbabwe though, it could be an unhappy opener for India. And Ganguly might need to get that bib out. Humble pie - never the best entrée - can be a messy meal.

India (probable XI)
Sourav Ganguly (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Ajit Agarkar, Deep Dasgupta (wkt), Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Venkatesh Prasad.

South Africa (probable XI)
Shaun Pollock (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Jonty Rhodes, Mark Boucher (wkt), Lance Klusener, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Claude Henderson.

Dileep Premachandran is assistant editor of Wisden Online, India.

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