Kallis recognises 'different kind of pressure'

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Cricket365
December 29, 2013

All-rounder Jacques Kallis delighted in successfully riding the pressure consistently mounted by the Indian attack, as South Africa progressed to a position of strength on day four of the second and final Test on Sunday.

Kallis, who will retire from the longest format of the international game next week, welcomed a momentous 45th century in the 166th and final Test match of a prolific career.

His patient 115-run vigil spanned all of 393 minutes and 316 balls, featuring 13 boundaries in a final total of 500 all out. The Indians later slipped to 68 for two, with spinner Robin Peterson and seamer Vernon Philander dismissing openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay respectively.

"It is a special feeling. It's strange walking out to bat knowing that there is no tomorrow and it will be your last opportunity to get a 100 for your country," said Kallis.

"It's a different kind of pressure, being in the 90s for the last time was different to normally being in the 90s. At least I could fall back on my experience and managed to get the three figures.

"In the situation that we were in it was important to consolidate a bit and make sure we got back on track after losing a few wickets. We basically tried to pace the innings and to keep the scoreboard ticking.

"It was quite difficult to score because the wicket is quite slow, they put up defensive fields and bowled quite defensively. As we got closer to their total we could afford to be more positive. I thought the guys really paced the innings well."

Kingsmead in Durban has been marred by bad light, with overs lost on all four days. Monday's final three sessions, meanwhile, are bound to bring an intriguing end to the series decider – and, indeed, Kallis' Test match career.

"We have lost a lot of time in the game but, I think there is a result beckoning for us. The stats show that on day five at Kingsmead 10 wickets normally fall on the day, so hopefully we are on the right side of the result," added Peterson.

"The first session will be crucial to see if we can push for the win. Luckily we have two wickets already and hopefully the bowlers will come out firing after a good rest."