Since the trans-Tasman neighbours first co-hosted in 1992, the one-day
game's global showpiece has morphed into a commercial behemoth and a
television event followed by millions around the world.
Familiar themes endure, however, and many of the 14 teams competing at the Feb. 14-March 29 have arrived in the Antipodes with the same baggage as World Cups past.
Boasting a world class attack, a fearless leader in AB de Villiers and an embarrassment of batting riches, South Africa have a gilt-edged chance to break their duck in the tournament.
None of de Villiers' squad was party to the semi-final disaster at the 1999 tournament in Britain or their first-round exit in 2003 on home soil.
The "chokers" tag is still irritating, though, said retired skipper Graeme Smith.
"Unfortunately it's something they'll never get rid of until we go on and win a tournament," he said. "We made some stupid mistakes."
Australia, far and away the most successful team at the World Cup with four titles, failed to make the knockout phase in 1992 and are under pressure to win on their home pitches.
Familiar themes endure, however, and many of the 14 teams competing at the Feb. 14-March 29 have arrived in the Antipodes with the same baggage as World Cups past.
Boasting a world class attack, a fearless leader in AB de Villiers and an embarrassment of batting riches, South Africa have a gilt-edged chance to break their duck in the tournament.
None of de Villiers' squad was party to the semi-final disaster at the 1999 tournament in Britain or their first-round exit in 2003 on home soil.
The "chokers" tag is still irritating, though, said retired skipper Graeme Smith.
"Unfortunately it's something they'll never get rid of until we go on and win a tournament," he said. "We made some stupid mistakes."
Australia, far and away the most successful team at the World Cup with four titles, failed to make the knockout phase in 1992 and are under pressure to win on their home pitches.
Source: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and Cricket News Today
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