Cullinan airs his views on equalling century record

Johannesburg In a career which includes a century when he was described as a teenage wonder Daryll Cullinan is used to applause of success and carping criticism for his failures.

At some stage this summer he is likely to become the record-holder of the number of Test centuries scored by a South Africa but yesterday he put up his hand to his teammates after he had scored his ninth three-figure score to join Gary Kirsten and Dudley Nourse.

Earlier in the year he toppled Graeme Pollock's highest score by a South African Test batsman with an innings of 275 against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland while his batting average took a knock during two innings against Zimbabwe.

Now his third major century at the Wanderers, 108 against England yesterday, was a quality performance was his highest against the visitors after losing his wicket in the 90s.

"There has been a lot of criticism levelled at our batting down the years and where we have not been credited enough is that batting in this country it is not easy," he said. "We are aware of that and have tended to score (more) runs away from home.

"We play to our strengths, which has been identified as bowling and pitches have been prepared to suit them.

"As a batting unit we have been motivated by that fact yet we now have a lot more experience in terms of Test appearances. I would prefer to play more Tests, get out there and have 60 or 70 Tests against your name, as some of the best players around the world have, instead of 30 or 40.

"We have taken note of it and continually worked at our game. It is nice to know when you have had a good day," he added.

"What was nice is that this has been a good team effort."

Some of Cullinan's praise was for the innings from Herschelle Gibbs and some for the captain, Hansie Cronje, and there was an appraisal of how Graham Ford's thinking has also helped in the overall preparation.

He enjoys playing at the Wanderers, which does not come as too much of a surprise either with two Test centuries and the 337 against Northerns as part of his record.

"I like the Wanderers. You get an aggressive crowd and they get behind you. I am expecting a full house and the atmosphere will tell you what it is called the bullring," he commented.