McKenzie ready for the spin
Wilhelm de Swardt - 04/10/2001

Johannesburg - Contrary to popular believe, Neil McKenzie has no great fears concerning playing against spin bowlers.

This friendly Northern Titans and national player was last weekend named as one of South Africa's five cricket players of the year. Experts agreed that he more than deserved the accolade.

Ever since McKenzie was given a second chance in Test cricket he made sure that the runs kept flowing from his bat. He averaged 97.5 against New Zealand and 47.25 against Sri Lanka during the Test series in South Africa. In the West Indies he averaged 33.44 and in his last two Tests against Zimbabwe he played innings of 52 and 88. Not too bad.

One would think that McKenzie has done enough to earn the number five spot in the South African batting line-up. Or did he? There are still those who think McKenzie needs to prove himself against spin bowling. This supposed weakness could also cost him his place in the national side when they tour Australia.

Some experts say South Africa cannot afford to play against Australia with both McKenzie and Daryll Cullinan. It must be either the one or the other and Jonty Rhodes must be persuaded to take up Test cricket again.

The battle between Cullinan and Shane Warne is well known. So far the Australian has been winning the battle. But McKenzie has not yet played against Warne in a five-day match and it would be unjust to judge him prematurely.

On being asked about Warne and spin bowling, McKenzie said he was not even considering Warne yet.

"At the moment it is more important for me to bat well against India. They are a good side and we would be making a mistake to underestimate them.

"Regarding my ability against spin, many people only consider my performance in Asia. Everyone knows it is difficult to bat over there. The pitches definitely favour the spinners. And I did bat poorly.

"When I batted against Muralitharan in South Africa things went much better towards the end. I'm the first to admit that I still have a lot to learn when it comes to playing spin and I'm working very hard at it.

"If you want to play for South Africa it is all about how you play. There is no place in the team for anybody who wants to hide behind others. I'm quite willing to bat against Warne, India's Harbajan Singh and Anil Kumble, Muralitharan of Sri Lanka or any other spin bowler," he said.

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