Kallis decision surprises Domingo

Coach Russell Domingo admitted South Africa were relatively caught off guard, after veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis retired from all forms of the international game on Wednesday.

Coach Russell Domingo admitted South Africa were relatively caught off guard, after veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis retired from all forms of the international game on Wednesday.

Kallis quit Test match cricket late last year, in a bid to prolong a prolific career through to next year's World Cup. A lean stretch of form during the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, however, largely prompted Wednesday's announcement.

"It was an unexpected decision but we respect and support him. I must commend his attitude and professionalism all the way until his last ODI for South Africa in Sri Lanka," said Domingo.

"It has been a pleasure working with him. I always admired his dedication and passion for the game. He will be missed, there is no doubt about that, but hopefully the nation can celebrate one of the greatest cricketers we have produced."

The 38-year-old Kallis, who debuted in December 1995, played 166 Test matches, 328 ODIs and 25 Twenty20 Internationals. He scored more than 30,000 international runs – and secured almost 600 wickets.

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