Did you find the step from Domestic to International cricket a big one?

Yes – in International cricket there are less scoring options.

Did you adjust your free-scoring game when you started to play International cricket?

Only in as much as I played a bit more conservatively.I let the wicketdictate my scoring rate

Did the “Nervous Nineties” set in when you were on the verge of your debut test ton against New Zealand?

To an extent, but I played each ball as it came and concentrated on the deficit. But reaching my hundred was an enormous relief.

Were there some other reasons for this relief? What about your priceless 105 and partnership against Sri Lanka in South Africa?

Well, I had not had a great series against Sri Lanka away and it was important to show that I could make big scores at that level. Shaun (Polly) was brilliant that day and I did not mind playing second fiddle. (Readers will recall he had been pushed up the order to open the innings in Sri Lanka – a position he has never really batted).

Making a test ton is a very important milestone in a test batsman’s career. One can only feel for your former team-mate at King Edward VII School and Gauteng, Adam Bacher.

Yes, it is a milestone that people seem to place great store in. Adam has twice made 96 at test level – it’s so near and yet, I suppose for him, so far, although both those 90’s were crucial knocks.

Many people would rate your debut one day ton against Sri Lanka as one of the greatest in the history of South African cricket, an innings stamped with the famed McKenzie elegance.

I think you are exaggerating a bit! I did enjoy that knock. You have days like that.

To most of us who have never considered you a greyhound, your fielding, which was always good, has become outstanding. To what do you attribute this?

We practise in groups. I am in the cover/point group with Jonty and Herschelle. When you work out with those guys it is difficult not to improve.

You have even bowled in the odd One Day International.

Yeah, but I’d really like to face my bowling! I nagged Polly so much that ultimately he had to give me a bowl.

What do you believe King Edward VII School did for you and do you think any of your success can be attributed to your High School days?

The School did an enormous amount for me – it’s a great school which is very competitive and where I had to work hard to prove my-self. The sporting ethos and disciplines, as well as quality coaching under John Hurry, was crucial to my progress.

You played First Team Rugby and ran Middle Distance for the School Athletics team. What would you rate as your best achievement?

Captaining the unbeaten1994 King EdwardVII School CricketTeam.

Do you think the King Edward VII First XV should wear numbers on their jerseys?

No – it’s like a red blanket covering the field; it’s not about individuals! If the team does well obviously individuals will shine and be identified.

How do you feel about the King Edward VII School Centenary?

It’s going to be great – already some of my mates who are playing or working overseas are making plans to return for the Festivals. You have to go a long way to find a school with spirit like King Edward VII School.