South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and Ireland’s Ed Joyce: two dazzling batsmen - ICC World Cup 2011
It was the most interesting moment so far in the ICC World Cup 2011 when Ireland defeated England in a crunch group B match. The time has come for Ireland in yet another critical match today against South Africa in Kolkata. The South African players are
on top of their game after beating http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 in an exciting close game and another win will confirm their berth in the quarter-finals, as Ireland is looking for a victory to increase their chances to be among the top eight teams in the next round.
The two teams have experienced and skillful players at the top order. Jacques Kallis is the senior South African who bats at one-down, as Ed Joyce serves Ireland in the same position. Both players have a keen desire and competitive spirit which drives them
to perform at the highest of their abilities.
Kallis is one of the greatest all-rounders in the world, equally good with bat and ball. With a solid technique, the right-hander has the ability play the role of an anchor in the innings. The 35-year-old is a versatile challenger who can be aggressive at
one moment and defensive in another according to the team needs.
He has scored over 11,000 runs in his 311 matches for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757. Keeping an average of 45 and a strike rate of 72, Kallis has 17 One Day International hundreds under his belt. Though his role as a strike bowler has lessened a bit over the years, he can
still take crucial wickets with his clever changes in the pace. Along with an excellent slow ball, Kallis uses his bouncers effectively as well. The all-rounder has 262 ODI wickets to his credit.
"His all-round skills are world class and he is a key member of the side," said Kepler Wessels, former South African captain.
Kallis’ performance in his tournament appearances has been excellent, as he has scored over 1000 runs in his 33 World Cup games. With one hundred and eight half centuries, Kallis holds an average of 46 in the big tournament.
On the other side, Ed Joyce has gained some of his form back by scoring a half-century in the last game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760. Joyce is a classy left-handed batsman who has the experience plus the skill to play against some of the top teams for Ireland. Interestingly,
Joyce was a part of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c749 World Cup squad in 2007, where he scored 152 runs in five tournament matches.
Joyce has a very sound technique along with a temperament of playing longer innings. He has played 21 ODI’s in which he scored 607 runs at an average of a little under 29. The 32-year-old left-hander is extremely strong square of the wicket and with the
pull shot.
"His experience will be invaluable and he undoubtedly adds a touch of class to the middle order. I'm also sure he will be looking to make a point at the tournament, and this is an attitude that will be well cultivated in this side - as every player who pulls
on the green jersey enjoys up-setting the applecart," said Kyle McCallan, former Ireland all-rounder.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751 which Kallis can play for his side. Both Kallis and Joyce will be key players as the Proteas take on Ireland in a decisive group B match today. It will be interesting
to see how Kallis and Joyce manage to make the most of conditions at Kolkata.
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