Kallis farewell century emphasises standing among greats

DURBAN (Reuters) - A century by Jacques Kallis on Sunday in what is likely to be his last test innings emphasised his status among the cricketing greats and ensured a fitting farewell after the South African's sudden decision to end his 18-year test career.

His 115 in South Africa's first innings against India moved him up to third place on the list of test run scorers and helped his country to a 166-run lead on the fourth day of the second test at Kingsmead.

The innings characterised the qualities of the beefy 38-year-old - understated, stoic and determined, but also saw a brief display of emotion from a player better known for his dour demeanour.

He allowed himself a brief teary moment as the Durban crowd handed him a lengthy standing ovation as he reached his 45th test ton - a figure bettered only by the 51 scored by the also recently retired Sachin Tendulkar.

leaving on a winning note

Time for Jacques Kallis to step up:

"Tough call (to retire from Tests). It's been incredible, the way people have come out to support

me, the way CSA and my team-mates have made it a special game. I still had the same butterflies

ahead of this game, thanks to MS and the team for the guard of honour, I was glad I didn't face

the next ball then.

"I've been fortunate to have had great coaches throughout the career, my friends and family have

put up with me being away, will be nice to catch up with them. So many people to thank.

Two of the most important people, who aren't here, so :

'Mum, Dad I hope I've made you proud'.

                         

                       

                           

He praised his Momma ,  poppa, coaches but he forgot to praise the system of apartheid that gave him all the special privileges for him to excel.
Great maybe , but for me great players were those even with inferior statistics who faced sometimes insurmountable obstacles like poverty and racism  in their rise to the top and that is why for me personally  I will always regard most Westindians as great cricketers

Afro Berkley Gaskin practiced apartheid and left out my uncles Ganim Khan and Edwin Mohamed 

Was a nice send off ....... compared to the 'contrived hoo-ha' that the BCCI  accorded SRT

Nice speeches and seemingly genuine emotion by both Kallis and team mates alike.....

BTW ..... never seen Kallis smile so much ever !!!! .... 

Edwin had skill and potential. may have been the real deal   

dont know about Khan.  never heard of him! ::yawn::