Johannesburg, September 10:

The first ever Twenty20 cricket world championship has arrived. From Tuesday, when hosts South Africa face West Indies in the opening game, the best batsmen in the game will be encouraged simply to hit the ball out of the ground.

Australia hold the record for the highest international score, amassing 221-5 against England in Sydney in January. With Ricky Ponting trying to add the title to the 50-over World Cup title, they are the favourites.

South Africa caused a stir by leaving out Jacques Kallis. India have let players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly to ‘rest’. England’s players have been playing the game longer than anyone else, with Twenty20 introduced first in county cricket competition in 2003.

New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka will also look to their standout players to shine at this fast pace. Bangladesh, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Scotland are not expected to seriously challenge, but the format of the game means they could spring a few surprises in the opening stages.