Although the odds must favour India on home soil in the upcoming Test series, the South Africans will be keen to claim the Treble title which involves beating Pakistan, Bangladesh and India at home in a session - an accomplishment never before achieved.

The South Africans have been raking up records of late and this is one that might stand for a long while. Although the title of sub-continental supremo's wouldn't be the main motivation for beating India, it will look pretty good in the 2008 Proteas trophy cabinet. Never before has the sub-continental Grand Slam been taken in a season, so it's something worth striving for.

The jewel of this crown is India, and the Proteas might find the Indians reluctant to play along. South Africa's pace attack might be hyped to do the job, but the graft will ultimately be left to 'the wall' - Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla and Ashwell Prince. Although skipper Graeme Smith is in dominant form, it isn't a case of all or nothing for the South Africans. If Smith can continue his impressive run, the Indians will have little hope at all of winning. Draws might be the order of the day.

'Kallis has a great record on the sub-continent, enough to have him stand amongst the greatest specialist batsmen'


Kallis has a great record on the sub-continent, enough to have him stand amongst the greatest specialist batsmen, and Proteas fans think of him as their Tendulkar with 300 wickets.

With Smith and Neil McKenzie knocking double tons, and Amla, Prince and Kallis hungry for runs, the Indian's will feel under pressure to manufacture wins when draws are likely. That will be to the South Africans advantage. Big, patient innings will see 500-plus scores from the Proteas and, as Smith points out, they have the fire power to claim 20 Indian wickets.

Much can be made of the pace attack - Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Albie and Morne Morkel, Monde Zondeki and Jacques Kallis fresh off a five-for haul - but Paul Harris and Robin Peterson might see the Indians jumping from the 'flying frying pan' of the Proteas quickies into the fire. Pot luck for the mercurial Harris.

Proteas supporters view India's current lack of test lustre as an opportunity. India are spent after a gruelling Aussie tour. By putting all their eggs into that basket, they've left themselves vulnerable.

While they were away in Oz, the Indians left the backdoor wide open and South African fans feel the Proteas have grabbed the opportunity to dominate in India. With Pakistan and Bangladesh already in the bag, the Indians are being sized up to join them.

The Pan-Sub-continental Treble looks as ready for the taking as it will ever be!