Gibbs wants a century

2006-01-29 21:36

Christo Buchner

Perth - South African star batsman Herschelle Gibbs will not be happy to leave Australia without a century behind his name.

He was so close when he amassed a patient 96 runs in the second Test in Melbourne, but was unlucky when he was given out when the ball rapped his elbow.

"I still can't believe what happened there," he said while practising in the Waca nets.

Gibbs batted without any discomfort after picking up a groin injury in the last match against Sri Lanka in Adelaide. He seems to be ready for the triangular series match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Gibbs said: "I'm feeling good and I'm not experiencing any discomfort.

"The groin is still a bit tender, but it's more as a result of the treatment than the injury itself."

He realises the time is running out to fulfil his dream of scoring at least one century on this tour.

"So far it's been a frustrating tour for me. I've started off well in several innings, but then lost my wicket before I was really in my stride.

Unable to establish partnerships of note

"On several occasions I also had to change my approach as I was forced to go in early after we lost quick wickets. I had to curtail my style and couldn't play like I wanted to. Our problem on this tour is that we've not been able to establish big partnerships.

"Any big innings is built on partnerships and the other evening (in Adelaide) when Boeta and I established a 120 run partnership, things worked out well for us."

His highest score has not been his best innings, but the 60 in the second innings of the third and last Test in Sydney when quick runs were essential.

His instincts took over and he hit the ball brilliantly like just he can.

"Yes, the other guys batted slowly and I had to do something. We wanted to set a good target and I didn't have a choice," Gibbs said of his excellent knock before he was run out just when it started to look as if that was going to be his big innings on tour.

If South Africa qualify for the final of the ODI series, Gibbs still has six or seven knocks to reach the 100 run target, provided he is not injured.

- Beeld