Nervous Liebenberg

Trevor Chesterfield

27 March 1998


Centurion (South Africa) - Gerhardus Liebenberg may not be a stylist in the classic sense, but South Africa's latest opening batsman is not afraid to admit to being a touch nervous about his test debut today.

He even agreed he may not ``sleep too well'' as he prepares to play Sri Lanka in the second match of the series at SuperSport Centurion, a venue he feels has been a talisman in his career with Free State.

Tall, with an upright stance and calm exterior, he took one look at the bank of tape recorders at Centurion yesterday and eased his, as well as the media, tension with a quite chuckle.

``I suppose you already know I am nervous,'' he said without any prompting as four years of waiting finally comes to an end either today or tomorrow: depending whether South Africa bat first or second.

He was also uncertain whether he would like to face the first ball or not, although he had chatted to Gary Kirsten, but not in great detail, about such detailed preferences.

``We have to sort out who is going to take first ball. Perhaps it might be an idea that I do it . . . get in on the action from the start. Normally they have a routine of swapping: one takes one innings first and the other the second innings.

``I don't know. May be it would be a good thing (face the first ball). Get a loosener first up and get to the other end and settle in that way. Get used to the light, get used to the surroundings.

``I honestly don's know what to expect,'' he commented.

But is there a choice? What if Kirsten, the vice-captain, said to him as they walk out, ``You - you go and face . . ``

Liebenberg, known to his teammates as Gerry, replied as quickly as scampering that first single, ``If the vice-captain says 'you' that's not a problem as I'll take it.''

In the past he had not often opened the innings, but he had lost his opening partner, Deon Jordaan, to Northerns before the start of the season. This meant he had to take over the job of facing the first ball as his new partner had less experience.

And although his record at Centurion was a good one he was mindful of the old cliche ``you are good as your last innings''.


Source: Trevor Chesterfield, Pretoria News (tche@ptn.independent.co.za)

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Date-stamped : 27 Mar1998 - 06:59