Cricket South Africa’s convener of selectors, Andrew Hudson, has confirmed that all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, will be part of the Proteas one-day squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in July.
Kallis, 38, has made his intentions clear that he wants to play in next year’s Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Hudson, in an interview with Indian-based newspaper, Telegraph, said the Sri Lanka series could be Kallis’s chance to stake a claim.
Kallis did not play an ODI between February 2012 and November 2013, but returned to the format in the home series against Pakistan and India late last year.
Hudson said that from a selectors perspective Kallis is no certainty for the World Cup.
However, he said they would love for Kallis to perform, as there are around 25 ODIs before the World Cup for the all-rounder to prove himself.
“Kallis is no ordinary cricketer and, whatever the format, he brings balance to the team. A batting all-rounder is rather unusual in today’s game. He’s in our scheme of things, but he’ll have to prove that he’s still good enough and that he actually wants to play at the international level,” said Hudson.
South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka comprises three ODIs and two Tests. – sports24
