Justin Kemp Profile by CricketArchive

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Player:

JM Kemp

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DateLine: 20th February 2007

 

As a big hitter Justin Kemp has few equals in the game today. His hitting is clean, scientific and beautifully timed. Naturally he is a feared opponent especially in the slog overs and has frequently won matches for South Africa that have seemed lost. Against England in the series decider at East London in 2004-05 he slammed 80 off 50 balls with seven sixes and four fours. In the previous match at Cape Town he hit 57 off 36 balls with four sixes and four fours. South Africa won both the games. Against New Zealand the following season it became clear that Kemp was the logical successor to Lance Klusener. In the first ODI he cracked 73 off 64 balls with five fours and three sixes to help South Africa win from a losing position followed by a 19-ball 30 that clinched the series in the third match. Not unexpectedly he won the man of the series award. Naturally his game is more suited to limited overs cricket where he has a strike rate of 86. In addition he is a useful right arm seam bowler. In Tests his opportunities have been predictably limited but he has had one match of note – the first Test against Australia at Perth in 2005-06. South Africa left with an impossible target of 491 had no option but to play for a draw. And starring in their successful effort was Kemp. Playing a game alien to his natural vein Kemp stayed over 2-1/2 hours for 55 defying Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne and sharing a fifth wicket partnership of 112 with Jacques Rudolph and South Africa saved the match comfortably. Kemp has had a successful stint with Kent in the English county championship.