Dhawan plunders Proteas at the MCG

It was a double disappointment losing to India at the MCG on Sunday, but it is so early in the tournament that the result could easily be forgotten in the years to come.

The result was one thing, but failing to rise to such an incredible occasion will upset the players just as much. The opportunity to play in front of 86,000 doesn’t come along very often in any player’s career, but for some of the Proteas it may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

To have beaten India with 90 per cent of the crowd cheering for them would have sent a powerful message about their intent and done a lot to slow the momentum of the Indian team.

A packed MCG was crazy for India // Getty Images

As it is, India have suddenly moved from outsiders to amongst the favourites. Just as I said could happen a couple of weeks ago.

A few people have asked me whether South Africa can still win it. Of course they can! Australia lost a couple of games in the 1999 World Cup and still won it.

AB spoke from the heart after the game saying it was "almost embarrassing" but the guys will bounce back. We all feel like that after a defeat. His sense of perspective will be back by now.

The guys must stay positive. It is not the end of the world that they lost one match.

The over-rate is a concern. They have had enough time to sort it out and must get it right now. It is not just the captain’s responsibility, everybody needs to contribute. They cannot afford to lose AB for a game.

As we predicted, the number seven position is still problematic. They went for the extra bowler against India but, at some stage, against different opposition, they may have to go for the extra batsman – Rilee Rossouw – which would leave JP Duminy and AB to get through 10 overs between them.

I wouldn’t have a problem with that. It’s unusual these days to use part-timers, but everybody has to rise to the challenge.

AB is amazing. A record-breaking batsman and wicketkeeper, best fielder in the side, and now a bowler.

McCullum could redefine trans-Tasman clashes

The reaction to the defeat here in South Africa has been one of understandable disappointment. The public sets very high standards for us and judges us harshly, but it has not been over the top. There is still a good deal of optimism. There are too many good players in the squad for the team to fail.

Other teams are having their problems, too. Sri Lanka struggled to beat Afghanistan and England must be close to disarray after their treatment by Australia and New Zealand.

It’s none of my business, but they might benefit from cutting through the politics of the set-up. Obviously Kevin Pietersen won’t play for England again, but they must ensure their best players are on the field.

New Zealand have been outstanding, stunning to watch. The match against Australia at Eden Park is a must-watch encounter.

Although Australia won’t have played for almost two weeks, my gut-feel says they will come through with a victory.

The pace attack is relentless and, perhaps, the fearless approach of the Black Caps might change against their traditional 'enemy'. But if Brendon McCullum attacks them, and succeeds, it may change the nature of the contest between the countries for a long time.

McCullum has been brilliant. Only a few people per generation reach a level of performance which makes people change their diaries and calendars to make sure they watch. He has done that. Hopefully New Zealand will cope if he fails.