'The dropped catches helped' - Kemp

Justin Kemp launches another one over the top © Getty Images

Having come in with the scoreboard showing 71 for 5, Justin Kemp played the sort of audacious innings that he has become renowned for, smashing an 89-ball century as South Africa turned a tough situation into a comprehensive 106-run triumph. Kemp had made just 35 from 62 balls when he decided to step it up a notch. When he did, India had no answer.

"We were just trying to play as well as we could," he said, when asked what his thoughts has been when he arrived at the crease. "I only realised that I could get a hundred when I got to 99. [Andrew] Hall played well and made it easy for me."

Kemp and Mark Boucher had pulled off a similar feat in the recent Champions Trophy, when they helped take South Africa from 42 for 5 to a match-winning total against Pakistan. "I've done it before and that makes it easier," he said. "The dropped catches helped."

Of late, South Africa have sent Boucher in at No.6 with Kemp following him. When asked if this innings might prompt a rethink and lead to a promotion up the order, Kemp wasn't unduly bothered. "I've done well when I come after 35 overs," he said. "That's a decision the coach and captain have to make. That's not an issue at all. I am just happy to contribute with the bat."

He said that the length the Indians bowled in the final overs had played into his hands. "We got the ball rolling in the last 10 overs," he said. "The Indian bowlers changed tactics and went pretty full. That was perhaps a mistake. I think the ball just short of a length was difficult to play. They were bowling pretty full. When I hit my first six off Zaheer Khan, suddenly they changed tactics. It was a lot easier when the guys were trying to bowl yorkers."

Not having had the best of years, Kemp was happy to be back in the batting groove, having made his reputation with some blistering knocks against England two seasons ago. "India [Champions Trophy] was quite tough," he said. "We only played four games in a month. It was just a matter of spending time in the middle.

"Having spent a bit of time in the middle, it will make my job easy coming in the death overs. That's my job in the side and I've got to do it to the best of my ability. If I get an opportunity like this it's a bonus."

India can only hope that Kemp doesn't get opportunities like this too often.

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