McKenzie will be targeted

2008-07-08 13:45

Altus Momberg

London - Neil McKenzie will find out during the next six weeks how difficult it really is to be an opening batsman in Test cricket.

But McKenzie already knows all too well that he will be tested and targeted when South Africa and England meet in a four-match Test series that starts next week and will be followed by five one-day internationals.

The experienced South African has celebrated his return to international cricket with some sterling performances in India and Bangladesh.

But he realises it will be a different kettle of fish to open the innings in England.

McKenzie is not a natural opener. He has played most of his first-class cricket as a middle-order batsman.

"I was probably lucky that I began opening the batting on the subcontinent. That may be the easiest place for openers.

"But I believe I'm mentally tough enough to fulfil a role for the team in England as well," he said on Thursday after the Proteas had worked out at Lord's.

The first Test starts at Lord's next Thursday, but the South Africans first have another warm-up match to play. Their three-day fixture against Middlesex starts at Uxbridge just outside London on Friday.

More traditional role

McKenzie, who was trapped leg before from the first ball of the match against Somerset last week, knows what to expect.

Opening batsmen have a more traditional role in England where the ball swings more and for longer. The seam of the Duke ball that is used here also lasts longer, which produces more movement off the pitch.

In Australia and South Africa openers tend to attack the new ball but in England they have to be more cautious.

"One must give yourself time to get accustomed to these conditions," McKenzie said on Thursday.

"The ball does swing more but one is rewarded later in the innings if you work really hard at the start to keep your wicket."

McKenzie is likely to be targeted by the England seamers because his average after four county matches for Durham was a mere 19.

His first-ball duck against Somerset did not improve his confidence but he made 63 from 109 balls in his second knock, scoring seven fours.

The Proteas are likely to field their Test XI against Middlesex, with Dale Steyn returning in place of André Nel and captain Graeme Smith taking over from JP Duminy.

Jacques Kallis and Hasim Amla, who suffered minor injuries in Taunton, are fit to play this weekend.

- Die Burger