McKenzie signs on at Hampshire
South African batsman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hampshire-c789 next season.
There had been widely reported rumours that McKenzie would retire from the first-class domestic game at the end of this season. However, he says he still has some ambition and wants to play on for the county side.
He said: "I'm looking to sign the contract before I leave. I've just got to give it to someone. But I will definitely be coming back to Hampshire. I'm looking forward to next year. I've had a really good time here."
This is very important news that will put smiles on faces down at the county. With Kevin Pietersen having just left the county, it was very important for Hampshire officials to negotiate the right deal with McKenzie who will be asked to hold down the number four position.
Important business
This is an important piece of business for the county because McKenzie has emerged as one of the most important players at the county. With Pietersen gone there is a greater emphasis on McKenzie to hold the middle order together.
He's also been involved at leadership level at various stages during his career. This means that he can help out current Hampshire captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dominic-Cork-c1390 through offering advice and ideas in the middle of very long matches. This valuable support will often be the difference between winning and losing a tight match.
McKenzie also contrasts nicely with other members of the side. He is much older at 34 years old and this makes him one of the more experienced players that can hold a side together and offer advice to other players. He's played Test cricket for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757, which would have exposed him to some of the best players to have ever graced the game.
He added: "The beginning of the season was tough but the Twenty20 win and having the trophy in the cabinet was really good for the boys. We've just got to stay up now and hopefully next year we can stay injury free and compete for all three trophies."
Betting advice
McKenzie's decision to delay retirement and play on at Hampshire will give the team a much better chance of success next season. They have hugely under-performed in many forms of cricket this summer and will be a very good bet for the county championship title next summer.
Tags: