Ryan McLaren reckons it will be difficult to replace Jacques Kallis – Cricket news South Africa’s emerging all-rounder Ryan McLaren believes it will be a tough job to fill veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis’ shoes in the latest edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, to be held in England from June 6 to 23. Kallis, the 37-year-old experienced Cape Province all-rounder made himself unavailable for selection for the champions trophy citing personal reasons. In the absence of Kallis, McLaren is the only specialist all-rounder the Proteas currently have in their squad. “Kallis is one of the best cricketers South Africa has produced and to replace a player like that will be difficult. I have a specific role in the team ... batting at the back end of the innings and also taking the ball at first change. I'm doing my best to get these things right,” said McLaren while speaking to media reporters on Tuesday. The all-rounder also cherished his hard-fought half century knock in South Africa’s only warm-up match against Pakistan on Monday, despite its vain nature. McLaren’s calculated 55 off 72 balls was the highest score in an inadequate 50-overs total of 202 for 9. “It was great to get out in the middle and to have some good match intensity...it was good to spend some time at the crease,” said McLaren. “I will definitely take some confidence from the knock going into that first game against India on Thursday.” Besides Kallis, the South Africans will also be without the likes of experienced top order batsman Graeme Smith, who is nursing a recurring ankle injury. With the experienced duo of Smith and Kallis already out of picture, the Proteas were on Tuesday hit by a hat-trick of concerns. Spearhead pacer Dale Steyn is nursing a side strain, which leaves him doubtful for Thursday’s tournament opener against India, Quinton de Kock has been unofficially called up as cover for skipper AB de Villiers while first-choice spinner Robin Peterson is recovering from a blow to the left foot. South Africa have been drafted with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Group B in the eight-team ODI showpiece. De Villiers and men will play their opening game of the tournament against the Men in Blue at Cardiff on Thursday.
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