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Jacques Kallis: The 'boring grumpy automaton'

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Pablo Luna - Moonlighting for Betfair. Pablo tells us why the South African doesn't classify as a modern great

In an era of fast scoring and high-octane cricket Jacques Kallis is something else. I confess that the boring grumpy automaton is not my favourite cricketer. He disqualifies himself from being classed as a modern great and I will explain.

He does not play for South Africa, he plays for himself first and second. His batting statistics make great reading but the manner in which they are collected leaves a bad taste. His average is inflated through his obsession for 'not outs' and 'minnow pilfering'. What exasperates most neutrals is that he has the capacity to play a wide array of attacking strokes but not the inclination! His batting has never been called sexy and a century from him is usually a bleak and painful affair.

The most blatant disregard was in the match against the current world champions in St Kitts in a 2007 World Cup Group match and after a great start by the openers (160 off 21 overs for the first wicket) more than seven runs an over was needed. He calmly paddled 48 runs from 63 balls whilst batsmen at the other end were forced into hari-kari. He repeatedly played his favourite shot - a forward defensive to a harmless half-volley. South African great Barry Richards was sickened and called Kallis 'one-dimensional' but his reply was "they can say what they like about me. I just don't care, not in the slightest. I've realised what works for me and I'm going to keep playing to my strengths". No mention of the team word there.

I chuckled when he was dropped from the Twenty20 World Championship at home in September because of his slow scoring. He consequently quit as the Proteas' vice captain! He then considered his international future and said that he was extremely disappointed. He continued "I was very excited about the tournament and hoping to make a huge contribution. I questioned my future for the first time". He then contemplated sulking off to the rebel ICL.

He is a Test player of great concentration. The definitive organiser at the crease he is mentally tough with an unflappable temperament. With his talent it is a shame he refuses to make the next step and recognise that cricket is a team game! Would you agree with this comment?

To be fair there has been some evidence of a slight change of attitude in recent times but I have seen many of his innings, some live and have been astonished as to his selfish attitude. The kind phrase used when he is slowly accumulating his runs is that he is in a 'bubble'. Please do misunderstand me, I like to see batsmen bat all day for the team, it is an inspirational skill. I was Mike Atherton's biggest fan!

Born on 16 October 1975 in Pinelands, Cape Town he has been the cornerstone for the Proteas for years and many regard him as the number one Test all-rounder in world cricket. He has played 114 Tests scoring 29 centuries and 47 fifties averaging 58.11. He scores heavily in South Africa and his top score (189) is against Zimbabwe. His contribution with the ball is excellent with 224 Test wickets at a bowling average of 31.32. He is also an outstanding slip catcher: view statistics.

On Friday 25 January 2008 favourites South Africa [1.32] take on the West Indies [3.9] at Cape Town in the second ODI where Kallis (current strike rate a poor 70.98) will meet like minded arch rival the 'scratchy' Chanderpaul (strike rate of 70.39). Prices from Betfair. For players with their abilities this is patently too slow, a strike rate of over 80 is generally regarded as par! What odds a run a ball fifty by either of these? Long odds!

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