Procter predicts bright future for all-rounder Kemp

Former national coach Mike Procter believes South Africa have unearthed a special talent in all-rounder Justin Kemp.

The Eastern Province player impressed with the ball in Sunday's one-day international victory over West Indies, removing both openers in his first four overs and returning figures of three for 54 in South Africa's eight wicket win in Grenada.

"He could be awesome one day. He is a special talent," Procter said on Monday.

The 23-year-old, who made his test and one-day international debuts against Sri Lanka in January, may have to bide his time to win a regular place in the team.

But with injuries to all-rounders Jacques Kallis and Lance Klusener, he is set to keep his place for the fifth match of the series on Wednesday.

Kemp has yet to make an impact at the top level with the bat after coming in at number ten in his last two test matches.

He is no tail-ender though, having scored 188 in South Africa's premier first class competition shortly before travelling to the Caribbean.

"I've never batted so low in my life, not in any team at any age," he said. "It's quite an education with the ball so much softer, the pitch scuffed up and the bowlers setting different fields. But I need the experience and I'm learning all the time."

South Africa's quest for the fourth victory that would clinch the seven-match one-day series has been disrupted by injuries to Klusener and Kallis.

Back-to-back wins in Grenada at the weekend put the tourists 3-1 ahead after the home side won the opening match in Jamaica nine days ago.

Kallis missed the fourth game after straining his right calf and is rated no more than 50-50 to recover in time for Wednesday's match at the Kensington Oval.

Klusener has already been ruled out after stretching a groin muscle in the second match in Grenada on Sunday and will have to wait until Trinidad on Saturday at the earliest to make his return.

Mail Cricket Editor