Morkel helps South Africa lighten up

What do Morne Morkel and JP Duminy have in common? Besides playing for the same team and being on the verge of their World Cup debuts, they're also on the South African team's social committee alongside fitness coach Rob Walter. Their latest project was organising Friday's movie night for the team. "We got some popcorn and pizza and watched a movie called The Goods," Morkel told ESPNcricinfo.

Sounds like a typical high school party, minus the pyjamas, and quite unusual for 15 professional cricketers and some support staff on the biggest tour of most of their careers so far. For this new-look South African side, which contains 11 players that have never played in a World Cup before, it's essential to their preparations. "We are working really hard and the boys are fit. The groundwork has been done and it's nice to be not talking cricket for a little bit," Morkel said.

On a tour that could last 54 days if they reach the final, it makes complete sense that the team will need some time to unwind. Although it may seem that relaxing before they have played a competitive match is lazy, that is one thing South Africa cannot be accused of. They are putting in long sessions every day and as crucial as that is, so is the "time away from the game."

South Africa would have spent 15 days in India by the time they get their campaign underway against West Indies next Thursday in Delhi. They are the second-last team to play their first match (Ireland play their first match next Friday). The build-up surrounding them would have been a month long, since they completed their 3-2 series win over India in January, and the air of anticipation must now be suffocating.

"It's important not to stay in the hotel and get cabin fever, and to go out and see what the country is all about. Sometimes when you tour you don't get to see much around you, so if we are around for a few days, it's nice to explore the city a little."

South Africa have done just that and were photographed taking tuk-tuks in Bangalore to the Hard Rock Café and the Puma Store where they did some shopping. Even though they have been recognised and stopped and asked for an autograph or a smile, they've enjoyed it. "When we go out the rumour spreads like veldfire," Morkel said. "It is not as simple as at home where we can just in the car and go somewhere but it's a great experience. Bangalore is a lovely city and it's nice that we've had a few days to settle in here."

The entertainment aspect of the tour may have something to do with the mental preparations South Africa are doing in order to ensure that they don't repeat the mistakes of squads from the country in tournaments gone past. Although they are not the firm favourites they have been before, there is a silent expectation that this time they will reach the final and bring home the Cup. "In a tournament like this the pressure is on 24/7 and most of us know that the World Cup could be a once-off thing in our careers so we want to do well."

The pressure in this World Cup may be greater on the bowlers than on batsmen with many of the pitches expected to be packed with runs. The seam bowlers will be the ones most under the cosh in the subcontinent with the spinners tipped to do decently most of the time. "We know it will be hard work," Morkel said. "All the teams are going to target the first 15 overs but that's part of the job. It could easily work both ways and we could pick up a few wickets in the beginning. With everybody saying it's a spinners' World Cup, it will be nice to be able to prove them wrong."

Morkel has only played one ODI for South Africa in India but both he and Dale Steyn have had success in the Test arena and "know how to go about things." The extra time before the first game will also benefit them as the bowlers will get to "see how the wickets are playing" and get a feel for what the tournament will be like.

The South Africans haven't been a part of much vibe themselves yet. Many of them did not even see the first ball of the opening match between Bangladesh and India but heard from their captain that the atmosphere in Dhaka was "unbelievable" at the opening ceremony. Morkel is looking forward to playing the host nations, two of whom are in South Africa's group, to be able to soak in as much of the mood as possible. Judging by his penchant for event co-ordinating, facing India in Nagpur and Bangladesh in Dhaka will be two of the biggest events in his life.