CHURCH Cricket Club fear new professional Jason Kemp could miss the opening nine games of the Transco Lancashire League season if he continues to shine for South Africa.

The 6ft 5in all-rounder could be in line for his Test debut against Sri Lanka at the weekend in place of the injured Lance Klusener.

And, if he impresses selectors, then he could be called up for South Africa's forthcoming tour of the West Indies which would rule him out of Lancashire League duty until the middle of May.

"It looks like he's going to play at the weekend and, given the form he's in, he could get picked for the West Indies tour as well," said club spokesman, Jack Houldsworth.

Kemp has been in explosive form with both and bat for Eastern Province, picking up five man of the match awards from six games over the winter.

That earned him a call-up for South Africa's last two One-day internationals against the Sri Lankans.

And, if he gets the nod for the Caribbean in March, then he faces a gruelling schedule of Tests and one-day internationals.

That would effectively rule him out for more than a third of Church's Lancashire League programme.