Jacques Kallis is one of the greatest all-rounders in world cricket. His value to the South African team cannot be under-estimated. With the bat he averages 57, with the ball he averages 32.
He is one of few all-rounders in the world game whom can genuinely claim to be good enough to play as either a batsman or bowler, let alone as both.
With his injury in the Adelaide Test, the question being asked is whether he will play in Perth.
Kallis was unable to bowl in the Adelaide Test after injuring his hamstring early in Australia’s first innings.
His loss at that point was critical as he had taken two early wickets. He left the field and could only bat from no.7 onwards in both innings.
In South Africa’s first innings he batted well for a half-century but was obviously hampered and in some pain with his injury.
In South Africa’s second innings he moved more freely and contributed another vital innings for his team. Many commentators have since said that Kallis is better on one leg than almost anyone else on two.
The match in Perth will decide which team is the number one in Test cricket. It’s a critical game. Surely if Kallis can bat then he should play.
An interesting contrast is with injured Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. Watson cannot claim to be good enough to be included as a batsman alone (I’m sure some will disagree).
This has been the view of the Australian selectors too. If Watson can’t bowl then he can’t play.
Watson is fairly certain to return in Perth. Kallis is just as certain to play as well.
Deccas
Guest
I'd say thats about as likely as you and I winning the lottery tomorrow with the same set of numbers
Neuen
Roar Rookie
But sometimes you need only 3 days like in Cape Town. Amla's beard avg over 40 alone IMO
Minz
Guest
Gee I wish Kallis was Australian! An incredible cricketer.
Kallis now has 44 tons and 56 fifties. This weekend with his fifty in the first innings he reached a 100 scores of more than 50 in test cricket. Hei s only 18 wickets away from taking 300 wickets and 59 runs away from 13 000 runs. He scores 50 or more every 2.66 innings.
dcnz
Guest
I am a neutral but gee Kallis is a menace, and I hope he scores a ton. He said on the cricket show that his ton in Australia in 1996 or 97 to save the test was one of his most memorable. Commentators in SA were doubting his selection and he had only played 11 tests. He is a real gent too...how many test tons does he have now? wow.. Dont care who wins, but if Pup pulls it off and gets the No 1 spot, well he is minted. All hail King Pup!
sittingbison
Guest
the only place I can see it is: LAW 2.1 - Substitutes (a) If the umpires ARE SATISFIED that a nominated player has been injured or become ill SINCE the nomination of the players, they shall allow that player to have: (i) a substitute acting for him in the field. Any injury or illness that occurs at any time AFTER the nomination of the players until the conclusion of the match shall be allowable, irrespective of whether play is in progress or not. (b) The umpires SHALL HAVE THE DISCRETION to allow, for other wholly acceptable reasons, a substitute fielder to act for a nominated player, at the start of the match or at any subsequent time. (c) A player wishing to change his shirt, boots, etc. shall leave the field to do so. No substitute shall be allowed for him. Official Explanation: 2-A What constitutes injury during the match? If, DURING THE MATCH, a player aggravates an injury sustained BEFORE the match, should the umpires regard this as ‘injury during the current match’, qualifying him for a substitute? Since umpires have no special medical expertise, they must assume that if a player is nominated he is fit to play. Accordingly, if his condition worsens a substitute can be allowed. If there is any evidence of SHARP PRACTICE, at that time or later, this would be a matter for action under Law 42. Law 42 is Fair and Unfair Play Given he has pulled a hammy and spent the entire two Aus innings of this Test off the field, and the next Test starts only three days later, the umpires should NOT be satisfied he is fit to play (clause a) and the umpires should view the selection as a sharp practice and ban him.
cantab
Guest
Yeah it annoys me that the rules of the game and the spirit of the game often do not align, cricket as a professional sport needs to modernise and have these two things equalling. Other simular things - not running off over throws which have struck a batsmen whilst he is running between wickets or batsmen being run outs a during genuine collision between batsmen and bowler.
Chris
Guest
Not much chance of anyone losing. CA is so scared of SA's bowling attack they will serve up another road (after serving up putting greens for the India series last year). Add that to the forecast for this week (rain, rain and more rain).
Neuen
Roar Rookie
Its a shame if we won't see both sides full strength for the last game. Cause whoever loses would have no excuses like with the England series
Red Kev
Guest
I agree with you on the principle, I just wonder what the laws of the game say about it.
Cantab
Guest
Thanks for your replays RK, very informative, do you think they will play Tahir?
Cantab
Guest
Keep in mind If Kallis does not field he must bat at 7.
sittingbison
Guest
no problem if he stands at slip, its sitting in the players pavillion that is the problem
sittingbison
Guest
hes not aggravating an existing injury though, It IS an existing injury. Defo not in spirit of game, I think match officials would step in.
Red Kev
Guest
I am not so sure of that. That’s certainly in line with the spirit of the game, but if he aggravates an existing injury he is still allowed off the field. Otherwise Clarke would never be allowed off the field for treatment to his back.
Rhys
Guest
He usually fields at slip, so should be business as usual. If he can move well enough to bat, he should be fine at slip.
sittingbison
Guest
If he is selected, he has to field. He cannot leave the field all day in a new Test like he did when injured during this game.
Brian
Guest
If he can bat like he did in the 2nd Innings then he should play. He will not bowl so they will probably look for an all-rounder at No 7 Smith A Peterson Amla Kallis De Villiers Du Plessis R Peterson/McLaren Philander Steyn Kleinveldt Morkel If Kallis & Philander can't play I think they would have to stick with Rudolph at 4 and play both R Peterson and McLaren.
Red Kev
Guest
Philander already fit again - minor issue. Duminy already replaced on tour. Kallis is the only question mark and he may play as the specialist non-fielding no.7 batsman.
Cantab
Guest
Sorry I said this on another blog but what other Saffas are in the country? If Duminy, Kallis and philander are out injured and they are probably not to keen on picking Tahir, what options do they have? Could be a factor working in favour of Kallis selection.