Henry denies Pollock-Mckenzie spat
Source: Supercricket - September 06, 2002

South African convenor of selectors Omar Henry has denied that Neil McKenzie has been left out of the national cricket side because skipper Shaun Pollock did not want him around.

It has been rumoured persistently that Pollock saw McKenzie as a threat to his position as captain.

"There's no truth in the rumour at all," said Henry on Friday. "I categorically deny it. I don't know where the rumour came from but it will be investigated. It's unfair to both gentlemen."

The rumour was perhaps given some credence when McKenzie was again excluded from the national side, this time for the ICC trophy in Sri Lanka.

Last month he was left out of the side for the Morocco Cup where South Africa -- who won just two of their three games - experienced problems, amongst others, in the middle order.

Henry explained that McKenzie was not part of the squad to travel to Sri Lanka because he would be given more opportunities to play himself into the side if he stayed in South Africa to take on Australia A.

"In Sri Lanka there are only two games guarenteed," added Henry. "If you take 14, three will have to sit out. "What is the best way to make a case for selection?

By staying in South Africa he will play seven games against quality opposition." McKenzie though has not taken those opportunities afforded to him with both hands.

In his two knocks so far against Australia A, the South Africa A captain made a royal duck in Potchefstroom and failed to get off the mark again in Benoni.

Gary Kirsten, another former national player trying to bat his way into contention, has not fared much better. He has recorded scores of seven and one.