Kallis reiterates World Cup ambition

News

Cricket365
August 20, 2013

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has ended speculation over his future in ODI cricket, reiterating his intention to play in the 2015 World Cup.

Kallis, who earlier this year made himself unavailable for the Champions Trophy in the United Kingdom, has not played an ODI since February 2012.

"Playing for my country has always been both a huge honour and a privilege. It remains my aspiration to be available for the 2015 edition of the World Cup," said Kallis.

"But, at the same time I know as an all-rounder approaching my 38th birthday, I will need to assess my future in the game season by season.

"At the moment I am feeling mentally and physically refreshed and I am looking forward to carry on playing for my country as long as possible."

The Proteas will play five ODIs against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in November and seven more against India in December.

"We are scheduled to play 30 ODIs between now and the start of the World Cup and we cannot expect Jacques to play every match," said coach Russell Domingo.

"If we were to do that we would limit his longevity and we don't want that. The plan is to bring him back into the ODI squad for the home series against India in November.

"At the moment we have a youthful ODI batting line-up and Jacques brings a maturity that will be invaluable in developing the new generation."

The right-handed Kallis has amassed 11498 runs in 321 ODIs at the impressive average of 45.26, including 17 centuries – a highest of 139 against the West Indies in Johannesburg in 2004 – and 85 half-tons.