South Africa could replace their long standing wicket-keeper Mark Boucher with the talented Thami Tsolekile after the tour to England in July and August.

South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell has converted to Islam after a period of personal study and reflection and will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Friday as a Muslim.

A failed World Cup campaign is not the end of the world for the South Africa, said the country's Cricketers' Association (SACA) as it threw its weight behind the beleaguered squad in the wake of its quarterfinal exit from the mega-event.

South African skipper Graeme Smith praised his middle-order batsmen and a solid bowling performance as the Proteas became the first team from Group B to reach the World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.

JP Duminy agonisingly missed a century by just one run as South Africa recovered from a poor start to make 272 for 7 against Ireland on Tuesday and edge closer to the World Cup quarterfinals.

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni defended the decision to give Ashish Nehra the final over, saying the paceman has done a good job in the past.

South Africa, who will have been in India for more than two weeks before they play their first World Cup match, are determined to avoid cabin fever at the marathon tournament.

Former South African skipper Shaun Pollock believes that the Proteas will reach the final of the World Cup, starting on February 19.

Tired of being tagged chokers, South African wicketkeeper A B de Villiers said the Proteas are set to prove their detractors wrong by handling big match situations calmly at the World Cup starting February 19.