It's World Cup time again, and as teams vie for the best position within their group, there is a common thread that has continued in this World Cup since the damp squib that was the 2007 tournament.

It has actually been in all World Cups since 1996, and was born in 1992 most unexpectedly. It isn't Sachin Tendulkar, the only person at the current tournament to have played in every edition since 1992. It is rather South Africa, who made their tournament debut in 1992, and their propensity to turn into David Cross from Arrested Development whenever faced with elimination.

There is no need to recount the sorry tales that make up the compendium of the Proteas' World Cup cricket history. They've been there, and lost in ways that were considered highly unlikely until the Proteas managed to find a way. It is such a talking point (I have hinted as much in this article) that instead of being a gorilla on their backs, a panda obese from eating too much bamboo would be more appropriate. 

The 1992 cup was a great one since no one expected SA to get anywhere. In 1996, they were one of the favourites, as they were in 1999. The 2003 cup wasn't much of a problem since those in the know at the time knew the squad assembled for a tournament in their own country was never going to work out. In 2007 they were there and there abouts, but Glenn McGrath saw to that.

This time, they have brought four spinners to have an on field mixer with regular hosts Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. For the first time, South Africa has a spin bowler who is an attacking spinner (no offence to future captain Johan Botha). Imran Tahir has added a new dimension the the Proteas' bowling lineup, while Robin Peterson has proven his detractors (including myself) incorrect about their assertions towards his effectiveness.

Apart from this twirling hubris, they still have Steyn and Morkel plus Jacques Kallis if need be.

Their batting department is also very sound, led by Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla, winner of the Oh My God...When Did This Guy Learn To Bat Like Sehwag? Award. Jacques "The Rock" Kallis sits at three, followed by the "Abbreviators," AB de Villiers and JP Duminy. Faf du Plessis is the wild card at six, but he is a very dangerous player as India found out in South Africa earlier this year. 

All the ingredients are there for a title run, and with England and India slogging it out for a tie a couple of days back, now have the initiative to guarantee a quarterfinal against New Zealand most likely. The Black Caps are a tough side, but I'm sure Corrie van Zyl would rather face the Kiwis then Pakistan, Sir Lanka or Australia instead.

Thankfully for those who have suffered at the hands of the Proteas' disorder (i.e. their fans), this tournament is moving at a snail's pace, so while their might still be some surprises along the way (fingers crossed for that to be a lie), the Proteas and their supporters will have time to adjust to their surroundings. Considering 1999 especially, also known as the Great Fail of Headingly, things can surely only get better...right?