As a teenager, Neil McKenzie captained both the South African schools and Under-19 teams before being brought under the tutelage of Gauteng’s Ken Rutherford. Though he started his Test career by batting as an opener he was soon shifted to the middle order only to return as an opener later in his career.
McKenzie scored his first Test hundred against New Zealand in 2000-01 after making his international debut earlier that year against Sri Lanka. This was soon followed by another ton against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park. However, he lacked consistency in run-making and was soon dropped due to poor form. But after showing excellent form in domestic cricket, McKenzie was recalled to the Test squad to replace the out-of-form Herschelle Gibbs. A further development as a result of his recall was that Somerset announced that it was unlikely that McKenzie would return to the club for the 2008 season, having played in 2007 as a Kolpak player. It was subsequently announced that he would play part of the 2008 season for Durham as an overseas player. McKenzie has also been an integral part of the Lions squad over the years.
One of McKenzie’s most memorable innings would be a record first-wicket 415-run partnership with skipper Graeme Smith in 2008 against Bangladesh in a Test match. Later, in 2010, he signed up with Hampshire to play in their County Championship.
