By RICHARD BOOCK
As if they needed any further motivation, South Africa will farewell veteran batsman Gary Kirsten at the end of the test series against New Zealand.
The 36-year-old father of one jettisoned the one-day segment of his international career at the end of last year's World Cup, and has confirmed that he will retire his test shirt after this month's third rubber at Wellington.
Kirsten, who will become the first South African to play 100 tests when the series resumes at Eden Park on Thursday, has scored the most runs for his country (7210) and the most centuries (21), and in 1999-2000 played the second-longest innings in history (878 minutes) to help save the day against England.
He said at the weekend that there was some satisfaction that he would leave the game at a time when South Africa's top-order batting was about as stable as it had been during his 11 years at the top.
"For many years we went through a 90-for-five syndrome and I feel quite proud to have survived that," he said.
"We relied on the Dave Richardsons and the Brian McMillans to bail us out. Now it's just great. I've experienced batting at five and coming in at 220 for three. That's what it's all about. Australia have been doing that for years and it's great to see that solidity."
Kirsten was characteristically modest about his impending 100th cap, calling it a personal highlight but something he hoped would be quickly eclipsed by some of his present team-mates.
"If someone had come up to me in 1993 and said I would play 100 tests and 185 one-dayers for my country I would have said you must be smoking something.
"What's happened has been a massive privilege and an honour.
"People say it's a cliché to say it's a privilege but it really is.
"I'm extremely humbled by the fact that I've been able to play this length of time."
Kirsten said he would be interested to watch the progress of the side as some of the current stars matured and reached their prime.
He singled out Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith as batsmen who would only get better.
"Can you imagine what they will be doing when they get to their 30s - because I think you only become a better batter once you hit 30."
Cricket: Gary Kirsten about to face final test
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