Jacques Kallis (Gallo Images)

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Eduan Roos

Delhi – The Indian Premier League may have turned cricketing enemies into friends overnight, but when the Proteas take to the field on Thursday the West Indies should only expect one thing – war.

Star South African batsman and all-rounder Jacques Kallis warned on Tuesday that there would be no mercy for the Windies when the teams clash in a World Cup group match in the Indian capital.

“All the cricket we are playing these days and tournaments like the IPL have changed how players perceive one another, but this is the World Cup and it’s war when we walk on the field,” said Kallis.

“They are a dangerous team and have a few match-winners, but we are ready for them and want to build on the recent success we had against them.”

Kallis and Co beat the Windies 5-0 last year and he says this Proteas side is the best prepared of any World Cup team that he has been part of.

“The guys are very relaxed and know exactly what is expected of them. It feels like an eternity that we have had to wait for this game and being favourites counts for nothing.”

Kallis says supporters should not expect a runs-fest as has been the trend in the tournament to date.

“This is probably not a wicket on which you will score 350. As soon as we start batting, we have to assess it and adapt accordingly,” he said.

“We have the required balance to play on any wicket and for a long time that was not the case.

“We have excellent pace bowlers, three spinners that are in form and a few part-time bowlers that can also be used.”

Kallis agrees with the view that the World Cup can be won by any one of six teams.

“There is less to choose between the top sides than ever before,” he said.

“Everybody believes India now have the inside track, but we learned in 2003 how the enormous weight of expectation of supporters can weigh even heavier than home advantage.

“It will ultimately be about who can survive the first round and then play their best cricket in the knockout games.”

The fact that South Africa have not made many changes to their starting team over the last few years also counts in their favour.

“We are a settled unit and each player understands his role in the team,” said Kallis.

“That should never be underestimated because you will be nervous if you don’t know where you fit in.”

That is why the veteran of four previous tournaments has a simple message for team-mates.

“As one of the older guys in the team I try to remind them that they should enjoy every minute. Once the tournament starts, it’s over in the blink of an eye.”