ICC World Cup, 2011: South Africa will use Jacques Kallis cautiously
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757’s ace all-rounder Jacques Kallis has regained full fitness from a rib injury before the start of the ICC World Cup, 2011. But the Proteas team management and skipper Graeme Smith want to use him cautiously and don’t want to expose him too early in the competition.
The 35-year-old sustained a rib-injury while batting in the third Test match against India at Newlands Stadium in January. He was ruled out from the subsequent One Day International series in order to recover for the World Cup.
The all-rounder is back in the nets, but is likely to sit on the bench in South Africa’s opening fixture against the West Indies. The Proteas are taking it slow with the 35-year-old cricketer as they want him to fully recover and be at his best when they play against stronger sides.
“I don't feel the need to put him under pressure today to be ready tomorrow. Having him fit is a big asset so we will manage him well upfront,” captain Graeme Smith said.
Kallis is arguably one of the best cricketers the game has ever produced. The 35-year-old brings a lot of stability in the batting line-up. His presence was clearly missed during the ODI series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 in which the Proteas’ batting attack was shaky.
Kallis is also considered to be a partnership-breaking bowler and Smith turns to him when all else fails. He can swing the ball both ways and has a very good slower delivery, which will prove to be more than useful in Subcontinent conditions.
This is going to be his fourth World Cup appearance, and there will be a huge responsibility heaped on his shoulders. The 15-man South African squad only has four players who have featured in the mega event before. This makes the African team one of the most inexperienced Proteas side to feature in the World Cup. With Shaun Pollock and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lance-Klusener-c72175 no more in the side, Kallis will have to play the role of a seasoned veteran that he is.
Former South Africa captain, Shaun Pollock believes that the side will perform well in the World Cup.
“I have a firm belief that we will definitely make the final, I've got that feeling. We're only ranked fourth, but maybe that's what we need, it's going to be a very open tournament,” Pollock said.
South Africa has never reached the finals of the World Cup tournament. Smith is confident that they will do better this time, even though he has a very young squad at his disposal. He thinks that new players are full of energy and ready to pounce on any opportunity that comes their way.
South Africa are in Group B with India, England, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751 and Netherland as other teams of group.
They will start their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on 24 February, 2011.
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