By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto
Before South Africa ascended to the number one spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) test ranking, the just retired Jacques Kallis vowed to see them remaining there for a long time, and it happens with buoyancy.
South Africa most prolific cricketer Jacques Kallis call time on test cricket. Photo by Shiek Mohamed
His representation for South Africa in 166 tests definitely brings a sense of sensation while his achievement with 13, 289 runs, and on the elite list at number three for being leading runs-scorers at all time, is suffice to say he is another icon in this form of the game.
Within the past two decades, we have seen some great batsmen left the field with an abundant of runs and many still felt they could have contributed to their respective countries. Australian Steve Waugh made a difference for his country and he showed excellent application at the crease.
At 38, Kallis decided abruptly that he had enough in this version but is still available for the abbreviated formats and is willing to make an impact 2015 when his country will vie for supremacy at the ICC 50-over World Cup tournament.
Like many fellow legendary cricketers, they had wanted to bow out with something to relish and cherish probably for the rest of their lives. India won the 2011 World Cup at home and the iconic Sachin Tendulkar was part of the team before he called it a day while he ended his incredible test career recently at home with a series win over West Indies and simultaneously accomplished 200 test appearances.
Another Australian Ricky Ponting walked off as a proud skipper having led his country to two World Cup victories while West Indian Brian Lara dominated this version with the highest individual score (400*) in test cricket. These are some the past cricketers that are unforgettable!
Thanks Kallis for the entertainment you provided during this illustrious and stunning career and many saw your great degree of professionalism and dynamism for South Africa. As a batsman, you made history, as a bowler you created history and as a fielder, you are in the history book.
In the second and final test, South Africa defeated India by ten wickets while the first encounter was drawn dramatically. Kallis played a part in both games while he clouted a brilliant 115 in his final match to walk off with tremendous ovation at Durban.
Kallis’ medium-pace was very good and in all contexts: he bowled with great consistency and never seemed reluctant to be a frontline bowler, a demonstration of his profound love for his country’s pursue to success. He displayed determination and penetration.
He always possessed the kind of enthusiasm and a high level of togetherness in the team. Many spoke about his dedication and commitment not only for South Africa but his personal endeavors with rapid regularity.
A reflection on his presence means he played with his heart and was anxious to place South Africa on the map in a career that spanned 16 years with enormous talent in both aspects of the game. He led with the bat and ball and the tributes that he currently receiving are not surprising. He himself had the belief that he will always attribute his achievements to hard work and total dedication.
Now a ‘goodbye’ for a cricket boy and he will be missed by his colleagues and ardent cricket followers.
He is considered a genuine all-rounder, a versatile cricketer with an industrious attitude. He will be classified in the category of a great all-rounder, West Indian Sir Garfield Sobers.