Neil McKenzie, however, did struggle for timing against the local spinners in that match and, if there is a concern, then it may be him. Otherwise Herschelle Gibbs looked in prime form, Jacques Kallis batted for nearly three hours for 45, Gary Kirsten made a half century, Mark Boucher topped 100 runs in the match and Lance Klusener belted 60 in typically exhilarating style. If South Africa's preparations have been near perfect, however, the home side's have been anything but. Carl Hooper's appointment as captain appears to have attracted criticism and cynicism in equal measure although that shouldn't be a problem in Guyana where he will take the field in front of his adoring, home crowd. Brian Lara was not involved in the Busta Cup, however, and he enjoyed a lengthy net practise in Georgetown on Wednesday morning.
Preparation is one thing, but all that matters happens in the middle.