One has to look back to Sri Lanka in August 2006 for South Africa's last Test series defeat.

Since that tour, which was led by Ashwell Prince, the young Proteas team have matured and are now probably the most experienced and settled side in international cricket.

All sportsmen want to reach the top of their game and the focus is now to wrestle the ICC Test No.1 crown away from the Australians.

'South Africa will surely be too strong for an unimpressive England (even with South Africans in their squad)'


The Aussies have dominated Test cricket for decades and at times have mocked the Proteas as mere pretenders to the throne. But this year could be the one where the South Africans fight back.

South Africa walked away from their last drubbing by the Aussies at home and rebuilt from the bootstraps. As a result, they are now definite contenders for the number one slot.

I believe a change in mindset has been the major difference for South Africa, who seem to only be interested in challenging themselves and viewing Australia, not as an arch-enemy to overcome, but as a welcome opportunity to prove themselves.

Jacques Kallis sees the upcoming Australian tour as an opportunity to overcome another boundary in his personal development as a cricketer and as an important goal of his career.

After a successful sweep through Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, South Africa are No.2 in the world. And they will surely be too strong for an unimpressive England (even with South Africans in their squad). Normally, a victory in England would be a worthy goal, but in 2008, nothing less than Test top-dogs will do.

Without Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist, I cherish the sight of Australia without their cricketing bragging rights - the rugby players have already lost theirs.

Never mind Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn and Andre Nel, remember Graeme Smith bowling Michael Hussey? I can't wait for Smith to send down a couple cheeky overs of dolly spin to the likes of Ricky Ponting and Co!