Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis will play an integral part in South Africa's World Cup campaign and, if the host nation are to achieve the success their public and media demand, the burly Capetonian will have to be at his best.

1. Jacques, you picked up an injury in the first warm-up match and did not bowl in the second warm-up match in Paarl. Will you be fit for Sunday's World Cup opener against the West Indies?
It was just a bruised toe, but that seems all right now and I'm going to have a bowl tomorrow (final warm-up match against Western Province). By the weekend it will be a hundred per cent.

2. There has been a huge media interest in South Africa and their role as hosts. In what frame of mind are you now, on the eve of the first match?
I think the guys are pretty keen to get started now. It has been a long campaign to get here and so it is lovely that it is finally arriving. The guys are keen to play well on Sunday, it is an important game for us. Excitement and anticipation are the words.

3. You are now a seasoned international, do you feel greater expectation on your shoulders?
My experience plays a major role in most match situations. South Africa is fortunate that we have a lot of experienced players, but from that point of view I have a lot to offer.

4. You will have many roles to fulfil irrespective of the experience about you. What are your priorities?
As an allrounder I have a major role to play in the team in batting and bowling, but we are fortunate that we are side that does not rely on one or two individuals. We have eleven match winners and that is going to be our one strength.

5. South Africa became known in the late 90s as an ODI team full of allrounders and they achieved much success because of that strength. Is this still the case in 2003?
Definitely, our strength is our depth. We are a well balanced side, a hugely talented side and have many match winners. On paper it does not always work out like that, but I like to believe we have the side that can go all the way through and win it.

6. South Africa begin their World Cup campaign against the resurgent West Indies. They have brought together some excellent batsmen and bowlers for this competition, are you concerned?
We have got to be sure of playing our best cricket. It is a tough game up front. They have won a few series away from home, which have been good results for them. However, we are not going to worry too much about them; the way we prepare is that we worry about our game.

7. The pressure and expectation on the home team will arguably not be greater than in that first match. Will you be able to cope?
If each guys goes into the game playing to the best of his ability, hopefully we will come away with a victory. We have a good record against them - which they know - so we will have the confidence to win it.

8. Looking beyond the first hurdle, do you have any specific targets in mind for the World Cup? A certain number of runs or a certain number of wickets?
It is a tough one that. I have never been one for setting too many goals. I think sometimes, if an individual sets too many personal goals it be to the detriment of the team in one day cricket. I have not set goals of so many runs or so many wickets, I do not believe in that too much.

9. Do you have a more general goal?
As long as, in a pressure situation, I perform my best for the team, I'll be happy - to make the right decisions at the right time will be my goal.

By Jeff Friedlander