What a crazy time it’s been for cricket in South Africa. We’ve had the resignation of Mickey Arthur, the board of selectors were dismissed and we watched the MTN40 final on Friday evening. With all that going on it’s almost easy to forget that the Standard Bank Pro20 is starting in a few days, the 3rd of February to be exact.

If last year was anything to go by, then we’re in for a spectacular series this time. Remember the two semi-finals that both went down to the power over, on the same day, resulting in a final at Newlands between the Cobras and Eagles? The Cobras won the title last year with their Proteas filled team, but this year the Proteas will be away in India until the second round of the semi-finals.

Looking forward to the 2010 series, I’ll be keeping my eye on the ever present Titans. In 2009 the Titans were dealt a low blow with two out of five games being rained out. The Titans have an experienced team, watch out for Farhaan Behardien, Jacques Rudolph and Faf du Plessis.

The Highveld Lions have come off another poor limited overs season and will be looking to put things right. The Lions have signed Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith ‘Slinger’ Malinga and captain Neil McKenzie is in excellent form.

The Cobras will still be a force to be reckoned with even without their stars, away on national duty. Look out for the new kid on the block Stiaan van Zyl, who scored consecutive centuries in the MTN40. With Andrew Puttick at the other end, and Charl Langeveldt an ever present death bowler, the Cobras must be fancying their chances of retaining their title.

Without the Proteas in the Pro20 the Warriors will struggle, they have a decent team but like the Dolphins, they just can’t seem to put it together consistently. The other team that has played good Pro20 cricket is the Eagles, but they too have had a poor season with the coach having left them last year.

My early prediction is a Titans vs Cobras final, but then this is Pro20 cricket... anything is possible.