Telemachus and McKenzie raring to go

After three years away from international cricket, Roger Telemachus is delighted to be pulling on the South African shirt once again © Getty Images

After lengthy absences, Roger Telemachus and Neil McKenzie have both welcomed their return to international cricket. The pair have been selected for South Africa's opening tour game against Australia in a Twenty20 match at the Wanderers on Friday - and both players stressed that their passion for international cricket is as strong as ever.

McKenzie, who was once considered a future South African captain, played 41 Tests and 59 one-day internationals between 1999 and 2004 before being cut from the squad after a tour of New Zealand in which South Africa were thoroughly outplayed.

"It's great to be back in the green and gold after I've been out for a while," McKenzie said. "You never really give up hope of playing for your country and I always had the self belief that I could play again. I just needed to get as many runs on the board as possible."

McKenzie was something of a revelation in this season's domestic 20-over competition, averaging over 50 with a strike-rate of 127, having previously been regarded as a neat - if unspectacular - strokemaker.

"I'm a slogger these days, no longer a blocker!" he joked. "All one asks for is a chance to play and while it's harder in Twenty20 cricket, I'm looking forward to pitting my skills against the best in the world."

Telemachus, excelled with the ball for the Free State Eagles - the domestic Twenty20 champions - and picked up 12 wickets in 24 overs. However, he admitted to being shocked when he got the call from national convenor of selectors Haroon Lorgat.

"I've been out of the international picture since 2002, so I didn't expect a recall. But now I have a job to do for my country and this badge is always on my heart," Telemachus said, clutching his team shirt to his chest. "Those people who've said I was too old and I couldn't compete - I'm going to put my fingers up their noses."

Telemachus, cited his move to Bloemfontein, where he fell under the guidance of former South African fast bowlers Corrie van Zyl and Allan Donald, had been the spark that reinvigorated his career.

"I first worked with Corrie in 1997/98 with the national team [Van Zyl was the bowling coach] and he made sure that my action and technique were right. And then when I moved to Bloemfontein two seasons ago I also got tremendous help from the great Allan Donald," Telemachus said.

Not previously noted for his batting skills, Telemachus also scored some valuable runs for the Eagles this season and his big hitting led to a remarkable strike-rate of 213 as he was moved up the order. "I just got lucky," he said. "I hit the ball so nicely, but it's also a skill to hit the ball straight."

It was the 32-year-old's skill with ball, though, which has led to his captain introducing him to the attack at the end of most innings for the Eagles.

"You've just got to back yourself and focus on getting six balls in the hole, in good areas, so the batsmen can't settle," he said. "It's all about your aim and it's a special skill to get the job done."