Proteas pin hopes on Talisman Kallis

West Indies ready for ‘beatable’ South Africa today.

NEW DEHLI: South Africa will bank on their recent form and fitness of key player Jacques Kallis when they take on West Indies in their World Cup clash today.

The South Africans enter this Group B match on the back of 11 consecutive one-day wins against Ottis Gibson’s side and a 3-2 series victory over India. With Kallis declaring himself fully fit, South Africa appear a formidable side.

Captain Graeme Smith hailed the all-rounder as a pillar of strength who has held the team together.

“Kallis has been a talisman for us,” said Smith. “He’s held South African cricket together for 15 years.”

The West Indies, led by Darren Samy, will have their work cut out against their opponents brimming with quality players. With two of their players ruled out due to injuries, the Caribbean side will look to the experienced members to inspire them to a win. If Chris Gayle can give the side a flying start, it will make the job of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan down the order a lot easier.

“The key is to get a good start,” said Gayle. “We’re playing one of the favourites and they are a top quality side in both batting and bowling.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2011.