Johannesburg — THE Proteas have been drawn in what appears to be a relatively comfortable group in their quest to win their first Cricket World Cup but as all South Africans will attest, there is no such thing as a sure passage in international cricket.

They are in group B, which comprises hosts India, West Indies, England, co-hosts Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur acknowledged this was a favourable group for SA but warned that the competition would get tougher in the latter part of the tournament.

"I think it (the draw) has to be quite good. We've got to realise that four teams go through to the quarterfinals, so our first objective is to get into the top four of our group. Bearing in mind that we only have one of the major subcontinental teams in our group, progressing into the top four should be okay.

"The real competition heats up in the quarterfinals stage when you play against teams in corresponding positions in the other pools."

Bangladesh shocked SA in the 2007 tournament in the West Indies with a 67-run win against the Proteas, then ranked No1. Arthur is wary of this team and concedes that they will be a formidable force in their own backyard.

"We are always wary of Bangladesh, especially in their home conditions. They can spring a surprise or two, but at the end of the day we respect them. By the same token, we know that if we play to the best of our ability we should be fine."

Group B will be more hotly contested as it consists of defending champions Australia, Twenty20 world champions Pakistan, ICC Champions Trophy finalists New Zealand, co-hosts Sri Lanka, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Canada.

"It's a tough group but the top teams (Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) should go through while the lesser teams should fall away," Arthur said.

Australia are in scintillating form, having just won the Champions Trophy, and are the defending champions. Asked if he believed they were likely to retain their world title, Arthur said: "I said before the Champions Trophy that I think there are certainly eight teams at that World Cup that can win it. It's going to be a matter of the people putting their performances together day in and day out, and getting themselves in the best possible position to win it. So I think any team on its day can win the World Cup.

" Yes, Australia might start as favourites, but a lot can happen in a year. I think Australia, India and ourselves might get in as favourites," Arthur said.

A lot was said about the Proteas' lack of adequate (game time) preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy. But Arthur said he was confident things would be different this time round and that his players would be familiar with conditions in the subcontinent.

"We're going to India for seven one-dayers in February, I think, so everything we do is gearing up towards the World Cup and the subcontinent. All our players have played in the subcontinent, so we will be quite prepared for that.

"Obviously their technique changes quite a lot, but everybody knows what's expected of them in the subcontinent," Arthur said.

The 2011 showpiece will take place over 49 days instead of 51. The top four teams in the two groups of seven will advance into the quarterfinals and its knockout matches.

This format differs from previous tournaments, which used to have a Super Six or Super Eight stage.