Cricket: Cosmic century brings Kiwis down to earth

By RICHARD BOOCK

PORT ELIZABETH - Whether Mars was in the correct juxtaposition with Venus or not, no one seems to know, but Neil McKenzie's batting reached near celestial heights yesterday.

One of the most superstitious players in world cricket, McKenzie kept alive South Africa's chances of winning the second test when he struck his maiden test century against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth.

The 25-year-old right-hander has a reputation for seeking cosmic assistance in the build-up to an innings, and has more routines than a cabaret owner, but he let his bat do the talking for 4 1/2 hours yesterday as he helped to reclaim the advantage for the hosts.

McKenzie featured in a record-breaking eighth-wicket partnership of 136 with Nicky Boje, striking 20 boundaries in his eventual total of 120.

South Africa finished the third day on 361 for eight, giving them a 63-run lead over New Zealand.

The son of respected former Transvaal batsman Kevin McKenzie, who was unable to play test cricket because of South Africa's isolation, Neil brought up his century in 218 minutes off a fairly rapid 163 balls, and when he reached his milestone 75 per cent of his runs had come through boundaries.

It was a particular triumph for McKenzie because of his miserable debut tour to Sri Lanka, where he was asked to open in the absence of Herschelle Gibbs and ended up scoring 54 test runs at an average of nine.

He said afterwards that the slump in Sri Lanka had given him plenty to think about in terms of his technique and method, but that he ended up becoming too analytical rather than going back to the basics.

"I've been working hard technically," he said. "I always go back and examine how I got out, but I think I probably became a bit too self-critical in Sri Lanka, rather than just keeping things simple and doing what I know best.

"The best idea is to just to stand still and watch the ball."

After the disappointment of Sri Lanka, McKenzie has revelled in his transfer to the more familiar No 5 batting spot, scoring 55 and 13 not out in the first test at Bloemfontein before bringing up his century in the second test.

He has now scored 188 runs at an average of 94 in the series against New Zealand, and has looked a class act in the process.

Like former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell, another of the game's great eccentrics, McKenzie marks off his own section of the dressing-room and treats it like a quarantine centre, with everything packed tidily away, and any encroaching paper cups or litter quickly disposed of.

Not only does all his equipment - shoes, pads, gloves - have their own special place, they all have to be packed and positioned so they face the pitch.

He also has the curious habit of glancing, almost longingly, towards the square-leg boundary before each delivery, because he is a proven exponent of the hook and pull, as well as the signature back-foot drive.

McKenzie said he was made to work hard by the inexperienced New Zealand bowling combination, and was by impressed by some of the emerging talent.

"We've played on two flat tracks which gives me the edge, but they made it a battle to score off them," he said.

"They're a good side. I won't say I'm enjoying the bowling. I was made to work for my runs. Craig McMillan, in particular, has bowled quite sharply."