Gibbs set for new challenge

Gibbs, now 24, earned the name Scooter from Eric Simons, when he first started playing as a 17-year old for Western Province in the 1990/91 season. When the senior players were being handed keys to their cars at a ceremony at Newlands it was suggested by Simons that as Gibbs did not have a driver's licence, she should try a scooter.

Although he has more on his mind right now than politics the man entrusted with Adam Bacher's job is upset at being labelled an affirmative action player. He is quiet adamant that he has been ``selected on merit'' and is not a member, or has ever been, a member of any ``quota system''.

Gibbs was tipped a week ago as being the obvious choice as Bacher's replacement in line with what was going to be the United Cricket Board's new ``colour by numbers'' selection policy. But being classed as a ``player of colour'' is a slur.

``I thought I was South African,'' he retorted.

``I need to concentrate on my batting for this game. It is far more important to me right now than beiung tied up with political issues. I think you will find that is the general feeling among all players.

``I feel I have made it on merit ... at least that is the way I look at it.

``I know that I would not feel at all happy if I had a son and he was selected to represent his country because of the colour of his skin,'' he said.

Gibbs also confided that now he ``has sorted out my game'' he was more at ease with himself as a batsman and would play his natural game at St George's Park.

``Opening is quite a challenge and a change in direction for me as I have been a mainly middle-order batsman in first-class matches. Frankly, it's a whole new ball game,'' he said. ``I do know, from what Gary (Kirsten) has told me that Curtly (Ambrose) and Courtney (Walsh) are not as sharp as they have been.

``But that's not going to make it any easier. What I have to do is tighten up a lot more. I know there's going to be far more pressure, but I am sure I have the experience,'' he added.

Overlooked for the tour of Eangland earlier this year Gibbs went to Sri lanka with the South African A team and played several impressive innings, including a century in the four-day game at Kurunegala in association with HD Ackerman.

He now hopes to expand on his record of seven tests this series and is looking at playing in the limited-overs series as well.