YOUNG SAFRICAN BATSMAN PLAYS VILLAGE CRICKET IN THE EASTERN CAPE, 2002-12-27 (photo)

An young batsman gets his shot away on a dusty track in the rural Eastern Cape province, December 27, 2002. With less than a month to go before the start of the World Cup, cricket passions are running strong in some parts of South Africa. While the game has often been seen as a traditionally white dominated sport in South Africa, tournaments such as this one, the "Amacal'egusha" (meaning "Half a sheep") cricket tournament, have been played since the 1920's between villages in the region. A lack of facilities has not dampened enthusiasm for the sport amongst whole communities in the province, home of national players Makhaya Ntini and Monde Zondeki, both included in the country's World Cup squad. - PICTURE TAKEN 27 DECEMBER-REUTERS/Mike Hutchings REUTERS MH/FMS