New look Harsha, Old SA worries

They are calling this tournament the 'test' of the ODI format. It was pleasing to see the crowd at the supersport park, Centurion for the first game of the CT. I strongly feel the 50 over format requires greater skill and determination than the bang bang version of the game. This is the format which exposes the weaknesses/shortcomings of a team or a player. I think the key is to be able to sustain your performance for longer durations. A perfect example is the NZ team which seems to do better as the format gets shorter. Lets see how this CT impacts the 'fate' of the ODI format. I hope better(cricketing and not entertainment) sense prevails.
Coming to the first match between the hosts and the Lankans, SA looked rusty yesterday. Perhaps coming after a long break from int'l cricket, they were left looking for answers to Dilshan's onslaught. But the more worrying question for them, i feel will be their problems with the spinners.
They had not had a look at Ajantha Mendis before this game and as if it was playing on their minds, Smith was foxed by the first delivery bowled by Mendis. Their hopeless record against Shane Warne has often been spoken in the media. Warne reminds me of his favourite bunny Daryll Cullinan and his poor fate. I remember, in a one-day series between the Aussies and the proteas, Cullinan invariably happened to come in at a time when Shane Warne was being brought into the attack. Poor Cullinan dint have any idea of Warne's magic. After falling to Warne continuously without scoring much, Hansie decided to send him as an opener in a game so that he gets settled by the time Warne comes in. It was a funny sight when Mark Taylor brought on Warne for the opening overs and Cullinan could only smile.
Yesterday though, Mendis was probably playing on their minds. The pair of Smith and Kallis was looking splendid in their array of shots. I always enjoy watching Kallis bat. He is such a treat to the eye. A batsman like him makes you want him to go on and on even if you are not supporting his team. That is how perhaps you win fans all over the world. But Kallis ( like Dravid) always seems to succumb to the pressure of scoring quickly. It is rare when he actually gets out to a good bowl or the bowler earns his wicket. Well, it was a good match to kick start the series but pity it had to be disrupted by rain. The Lankans won by the D/L method and made a strong case for a berth in the semis. SA will have to bounce back against the kiwis who are always a threat when it comes to multi-nation tournaments.
Meanwhile, have you noticed the new Harsha Bhogle, after his hair transplantation. Have a look.