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King Kallis Reigns Supreme In Milestone Test

Legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis celebrated his 150^th test appearance in style, recording a career best 224 in front of his beloved Newlands faithful. As well confirming Kallis’ rightful place within the historical elite, the ‘King’s’ majestic knock ensured South Africa clinched both test and series victories against Sri Lanka, bringing an end to the baron run of home series wins the Proteas have endured since 2008.

Just a week ago, no one could say that this outcome to the series was a certainty as the Kingsmead crowd in Durban witnessed Sri Lanka level the three match series at 1-1 and Kallis himself collected his first international test pair. Many fans would have been forgiven a feeling of de ja vous as South Africa once again surrendered a series lead to seemingly inferior opposition.


Though by no means a certainty, the likelihood of South Africa winning the series became a whole lot greater after the toss when Dilshan took the bewildering decision to bowl on what looked a pretty harmless wicket, already being smothered in sunshine. In fairness to the Sri Lankan captain early wickets did fall, that of Smith and Amla. But the visible anguish with which Graeme Smith greeted his own demise pointed to the prevailing truth that this was the best batting track to be seen in the whole series. 


Queue Jacques Kallis. If anyone was to expose the limitations of the Sri Lankan attack coupled with the abhorrent decision to bowl, it was him. Like all good stories, the tale of Kallis' 150th test comes with its fair share of adversity. Fresh of a pair, he had received a waft of criticism in between tests for his playing of the short ball. So, understandably, Kallis started his milestone innings a little shaky. It looked as though Kallis wasn't going to die wondering as he offered chances to the Sri Lankan field with a few imperfectly timed pulls. Despite it presenting chances, this early period provided Kallis with quick runs, supplying a firm base from which to launch his record breaking innings. 


Soon after this exhibition of 'anything goes' stuff, Kallis adopted a manner of batting which reflected the innings significance both to him and his team. He looked imperious in defence as his strike rate gradually slowed to a less frenetic, but still speedy 100.00. Rarely before have I seen a batsman look so assured in defence that he may as well have been playing with a barn door. All the trademark Kallis drives were evident, however, as the first day ended with him on 159*.


From this position, Kallis and indeed South Africa never looked back. On day 1 of this test recalled Alviro Petersen had already notched up 109, but it was the arrival of AB De Villiers who joined Kallis that really signalled the end for Sri Lanka. These two put on the kind of partnership that had been lacking in Durban and both innings were as stunning as each other if not as historical. With Kallis eventually falling for 224, De Villiers drove home the Proteas advantage, making 160*. His last 60 runs coming off just 29 balls as South Africa stepped on the gas before making the attacking move of declaring on 580/4 half an hour before tea on the second day.


It is testament to Kallis' innings that this decision was made. Kallis had amassed his runs in quick time, not allowing the sight of personal milestones to detract from the ultimate goal of a series win. But the great man should be allowed now to reflect on what was a superb innings and a fitting way to mark 150 international test appearances. 


His role in this Test match didn't stop there though. Although he didn't bowl in Sri Lanka's reply, Kallis took some typically sharp slip catches as Sri Lanka were almost inevitably made to follow on. In Sri Lanka's second innings, Kallis took 3 wickets and a couple more world class catches. As if his home town fans couldn't be any more proud. 


Sri Lanka did in the end make South Africa bat again, though this amounted to the bowling of one no ball as the batsmen found themselves in the enviable position of chasing 2 runs to win. So the series was settled 2-1 and Jacques Kallis had a 150th game to cherish. No praise would be too high for this South African as he stands quite clearly as one of the best all-rounders the game has ever seen and remains a very real threat in the here and now to any opposition.







  

  

Jacques Kallis celebrates passing 200 for 

only the second time in an illustrious career.