No different than any other series, says Kallis
NAGPUR, Feb. 5: Jacques Kallis has every reason to be put out. If greatness is to be calculated by cold numbers, then even the great Sir Gary Sobers might have to make way for the strong-as-teak South African.
Kallis for some strange reason has never had his name do the rounds with other celebrated cricketers of his generation. There are no complaints though as he marches on putting his team interest ahead. The all-rounder who will have a pivotal role to play in the two-Test series opened up to select group of reporters ahead of the first Test. Excerpts:
On preparations for this series: It is no different to any other series. We have toured the sub-continent many times and we know what to expect and the guys are prepared for it. As a senior player I have to help the young guys that haven’t toured here. But they have played on pitches that have spun on days three, four and five this season, so the guys are ready to play on any wicket and they’ve got their plan in place. And the IPL has also helped us adapt to these conditions better.
On Shakib Al Hasan being ranked ahead of him: I play cricket because I enjoy it and I have never played this game worrying on stats. I don’t think anyone in the team is worried about rankings. We don’t play this game because we want to be No.1 after the series. We want to play good cricket. If we are No. 1, then so be it. We want to win every series we play.
On where he is now as a batsman: The last couple years I have been batting well, close to what I have ever done before. But you keep improving and keep trying to take your game to another level. I’ve certainly worked harder. And certainly the Twenty20 game has been brilliant for myself and given me the opportunity to take my game forward.
On his role as a bowler in the series: Over the years, I’ve learnt to get reverse-swing going and that comes with experience. I’ve worked really hard. I’ve probably bowled as well as I have ever done in the last two or three years. The SG ball stays a little bit harder than the Kookaburra. The SG ball reverses a lot quicker that will bring the seamers into play.
On the UDRS: I used to be a big fan of the review system but if you don’t have everything available like the Snicko and hot spot. Then we are getting only half the job done.
Age Correspondent
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