Durban - It has turned into an interesting summer for Northerns captain Neil McKenzie who back in March had not been able to make the Gauteng team. Now the national selectors have followed Northerns lead by making him captain of the South African Invitation XI against the touring England XI in a three day game at St George's Park next month.

McKenzie replaced Mark Davis as Northerns captain last month and has had mixed success since although he has shown some leadership flair.

The 24-year-old top-order batsman is to lead a side which includes two other Northerns players in opener and former Test cap Rudolf Steyn, with left-arm seamer Greg Smith finally earning a nod, although it could be seen as a form of reward for hard work than anything else.

The left-arm fast bowler is likely to share the new ball with either Roger Telemachus or the talented young Eastern Province quick, Garnet Kruger. James Bryant, whose career has taken off this summer after a winter with the national Plascon Academy, is one of three Eastern Province players in the side.

The selectors were limited in their selections, however, as Natal and Border are involved in a SuperSport Series.

The team is:

Rudolf Steyn (Northerns), Carl Bradfield (EP), James Bryant (EP), Neil McKenzie (Northerns), Ashwell Prince (WP), Justin Ontong (Boil), Wendell Bossenger (Griquas), Roger Telemachus (WP), Garnett Kruger (EP), Greg Smith (Northerns), Henry Williams (Boil). Twelfth man: Robin Peterson (EP)