SA v IND 2018: Jacques Kallis eager to see Indian pace battery in Proteas conditions

Kallis termed Virat Kohli as a world class player.

This lasting image is of Kallis jumping out of the way of a Sreesanth bouncer

Legendary South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis reckons that the current crop of Indian bowling attack boasts some exceptionally talented fast bowlers who can do wonders in Proteas conditions.

Virat Kohli and his team is slated to play three Test matches against South Africa starting from January 5 and Kallis believes that this Indian pace attack will make it an 'interesting' series.

"They (India) have a talented bowling lineup. The conditions here will suit seamers slightly more than in India. So it would be interesting to see how the bowling attack goes. It will be an interesting series," Kallis said in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times.

"They have to adapt and adapt quickly. These are foreign conditions and they are not used to playing on our wickets. They have to learn what length to bowl here. If they get to bowl in the right area, they can be useful," he further added.

Kallis, who retired from Test cricket after amassing 13289 runs and 292 wickets from 166 games, also hailed Virat Kohli as a world class player. Kallis had spent time with Virat in the RCB dressing room back in 2009-10 and even then the Proteas maestro had predicted a great future for the Indian captain.

"He (Kohli) has become a world-class player. Results have shown that he is a fantastic player. We saw the talent in the early days in RCB when I was there. I had an idea that he would be become a really good player because he had the technique and temperament. He can achieve whatever he wants to as long as he wants to," Kallis opined.

On being asked where does he see Kohli in the next three-four years, the great all-rounder said, “It depends on how hungry he is, how fit he stays and how long he wants to play for. He can achieve whatever he wants to as long as he wants to.”

Talking about Indian cricket’s most precious find in recent times- all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Kallis said he hasn’t seen much of the 24-year-old but acknowledged that Pandya appears a very good talent and can play a vital role in the seaming conditions of South Africa.

“I haven’t seen much of him. But all-rounders do play a role in balancing a side out. He looks like he has got a lot of talent. Everyone’s interested in seeing how he goes about his business, particularly in South African conditions that are a little more helpful for seam bowlers,” Jacques said.

Kallis concluded by making a remark on Dale Steyn, who needs 5 more wickets to surpass Shaun Pollock’s tally of 421 Test wickets, the most by a South Africa bowler.

“It will be a fantastic achievement, he has been a world-class performer for so many years and deserves all the accolades,” Kallis signed-off.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 31 Dec, 2017

    Share Via