Charismatic Kallis says goodbye

News

Cricket365
December 31, 2013

After 18 years as part of the Proteas set-up, the king has left the building… or at least the Test arena.

Jacques Kallis' career ended as most fairytales do after his team banked a comfortable 10-wicket victory over India that saw them snatch a one-nil series triumph on what turned out to be a frantic fifth day of cricket in Durban.

Dale Steyn proved to be the talisman who would knock the visiting side's top order over, while outstanding performances were also delivered by wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers and spinner Robin Peterson.

For Kallis it was always going to be an emotional day, but with 13,289 runs and 292 Test wickets, he managed to bid farewell to the game with a final ton and will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever compete on the international stage.

"It was a tough day," admitted Kallis. He added that calling an end after 166 matches was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make, but added he had no regrets. "I thought it was the right time. I loved the way the people came out to support me and my team-mates made it a special game," insisted the stalwart.

His final knock of 115 started with India's fielders forming a guard of honour as a sign of respect for one of the sport's true greats. "Thanks to MS Dhoni and his men for that guard of honour," said the veteran, before reflecting on what the occasion in Durban meant to him on a personal level.

" I remember my dad watching my first Test and my sister is here now. I will miss the friendships in the dressing room. A lot of mates have made an effort to come down for my last game. Dave Randall has been terrific as my manager," he concluded.

"As kids, you want your parents to be proud. So mom, dad, I hope I made you proud. Thanks everyone for all the support."