South Africa's Neil McKenzie looks set to play his first Test in three and a half years after being called into the squad to face West Indies in Cape Town this morning.
Batsman McKenzie, 32, is expected to replace Herschelle Gibbs, whose poor form continued in the surprise defeat in Port Elizabeth.
Either McKenzie or AB de Villiers could open alongside captain Graeme Smith.
"There is no panic, but we have decided to strengthen our top order batting," said coach Mickey Arthur.
West Indies won their first Test since May 2005 and their first ever in South Africa with a landmark 128-run victory in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. They face a tough task if they are to mount a comeback in the three-Test series.
Gibbs, who bagged a pair in the opening match, has not scored a Test century since January 2005, although he hit a one-day ton against New Zealand earlier this month.
McKenzie played in 41 Tests between 2000 and 2004 but scored only two centuries and compiled a mediocre average of 33.24.
He has been one of the top scorers in domestic cricket and played a starring role in South Africa A wins over the New Zealand and West Indian touring teams this season.
Arthur said McKenzie would be part of South Africa's plans for a tough year, which includes tours of India, England and Australia. - BBC
McKenzie set to play first Test
South Africa's Neil McKenzie looks set to play his first Test in three and a half years after being called into the squad to face West Indies in Cape Town this morning.
Batsman McKenzie, 32, is expected to replace Herschelle Gibbs, whose poor form continued in the surprise defeat in Port Elizabeth.
Either McKenzie or AB de Villiers could open alongside captain Graeme Smith.
"There is no panic, but we have decided to strengthen our top order batting," said coach Mickey Arthur.
West Indies won their first Test since May 2005 and their first ever in South Africa with a landmark 128-run victory in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. They face a tough task if they are to mount a comeback in the three-Test series.
Gibbs, who bagged a pair in the opening match, has not scored a Test century since January 2005, although he hit a one-day ton against New Zealand earlier this month.
McKenzie played in 41 Tests between 2000 and 2004 but scored only two centuries and compiled a mediocre average of 33.24.
He has been one of the top scorers in domestic cricket and played a starring role in South Africa A wins over the New Zealand and West Indian touring teams this season.
Arthur said McKenzie would be part of South Africa's plans for a tough year, which includes tours of India, England and Australia. - BBC
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