Kallis retires from Test cricket

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The veteran Jacques Kallis will retired from Test cricket at the conclusion of South Africa's series decider against India at Kingsmead this week.

The veteran Jacques Kallis will retired from Test cricket at the conclusion of South Africa's series decider against India at Kingsmead this week.

Kallis, however, will continue to be available in ODI cricket – and is eager to play in the 2015 World Cup.

"It wasn't an easy decision, with Australia around the corner and the success this team is enjoying, but I feel the time is right. I don't see it as goodbye," said Kallis.

"I still have a lot of hunger to push South Africa to that World Cup in 2015 if I am fit and performing. The last two years specifically have been a memorable journey with an exceptional group of cricketers.

"I am fortunate enough to have ended my Test career amongst a group of talented cricketers but, more importantly, friends whom I will cherish for years to come."

The 38-year-old Kallis, arguably the greatest all-rounder produced by world cricket, has scored 13,174 runs in 165 Tests at he impressive average of 55.12.

292 wickets, meanwhile, have come at the reasonably cheap aggregate of 32.53. He has also held 199 catches, second only to former Indian captain Rahul Dravid's 210.

"Jacques has been a stalwart for many years and South Africa's recent triumphs and greatness have been built around him. He is a legend and his statistics speak volumes," said Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat.

"Jacques has been ever present for the Proteas in the past 18 years and it is fitting that his final Test should be on the same ground as the one on which he made his debut against England back in 1995."

The right-handed Kallis also boasts 11,574 runs and 273 wickets after 325 ODIs, and and captained the team on 13 occasions – seven times against India, thrice against Zimbabwe, twice against England and once against Ireland.

"The impact Jacques has made on South African cricket has been immense, not just as a player but as a human being. I'm not sure we will ever see another player of that stature very soon," concluded coach Russell Domingo.

"Jacques' calmness, maturity and presence in the change room will sorely be missed and hopefully he will still be able to play a role in this team's success in the near future. He has ambitions of playing in the 2015 World Cup and it will be important for us to manage him accordingly so that he is in prime form leading into the tournament."

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