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Pollock: No reason why Proteas can't win CWC

Cape Town - South Africa cricket legend Shaun Pollock believes the Proteas can win this year's Cricket World Cup if they work out the right formula to play in English conditions.

The Proteas, of course, have a history of heartbreaking exits at the global tournament but the former South Africa captain believes Faf du Plessis can lead the team to glory.

"There is no reason why South Africa can't win it," said Pollock.

"There are some strong teams around. We thought we had the formula before, but it didn't work out.

"There's no reason why this team can't come up with the right strategy and perform at the right time and bring home the silverware."

READ: Proteas to play Sri Lanka, Windies in CWC warm-up

Of all the exits at previous World Cups, Pollock admits that 1999 tournament was the hardest to take as they were the best team at the event.

The Proteas played to a tie against Australia in the semi-final but the Aussies went through as they beat South Africa in the Super Six stage.

"Going to the World Cup with South Africa was always special. We always had that team that had the potential to go all the way. It wasn't like we were ever just making up the numbers," Pollock continued.

"'99 was probably the best performance we put in. Unfortunately, the tie in the semi-final meant we were knocked out.

"The World Cup is like the Olympics of cricket. It's somewhere that you get to test yourself against the best in that one or two month period and see if you can come out on top."

The Cricket World Cup starts on May 30 with the Proteas taking on hosts England in the opening game.

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