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Morgan in the driving seat - Alister Morgan examines the achievements of the world's premier ODI all-rounder

It's been said that a week is a long time in sport. It seems doubly true in cricket of late as England won in Sri Lanka against most predictions while Pakistan lost a home Test series to South Africa 1-0.

South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis also managed to reverse his international fortunes around in a matter of weeks. After shouldering much criticism, regarding his commitment to the national side, Kallis has turned public opinion around with such speed and success that he could justifiably expect an enquiring call from Gordon Brown's office in the near future.

Kallis has rarely had problem on the field of play but while South Africa cricket struggled recently with patchy form and a politically charged racial quota system he resigned as vice-captain after being left out of the Twenty20 World Cup squad.

This week Kallis has been 'rested' once more ahead of the One Day International series against Pakistan but there's zero chance of him being omitted after scoring three centuries and a fifty in his last four innings. He accumulated a gargantuan 421 runs at an average of 210.50 making him the top scorer on either side and he put it all down to his extended rest. His current average stands at 57.10 in Tests and 45.49 in ODIs making him an obvious choice to top the SA batting charts at the end of the five-match series.

You can back Kallis (4.5) to top-score in the 1st ODI alongside compatriots Graeme Smith (4.6), Herschelle Gibbs (5.1) and A.B. de Viliers (5.2).

Kallis is a master batsman who knows how to accumulate runs at Test level but he can also shift gears with remarkable pace. His range of shots and ability to dominate top bowlers makes him one of the most dangerous players in the short game.
His bowling skills have not made many headlines of late but it should be noted that he remains the ICC's top-rated all-rounders.

Recent form suggests that SA batsmen will dominate proceedings but I expect Pakistan to take heart from their last batting performance (when almost pulling off a remarkable run chase) and take the opportunity to galvanise a disjointed team.

The series is not easy to call but SA (1.61) is favourite to beat Pakistan (2.22) which is about right as the tourists are at last enjoying consistent performances from their top players while Pakistan remains too inconsistent.

I expect a close fight and another series loss for the hosts. A closer look at SA's recent record illustrates that they rarely struggle in the shorter ODI version on the game. Moreover, the current ICC ODI Championship table sees them in second place behind Australia while Pakistan is back in 5th position

I'd also back Kallis to continue his rich vein of form but see better value backing him to score 50 in the 1st ODI. I'd take (3.1) on Kallis before (2.74) on Graeme Smith (who's currently recovering form illness), Herschelle Gibbs (3.1) or Justin Kemp (4.2).

Kallis remains a fantastic bet because he's one of cricket's top performers. As the legend Inzaman retires it should be noted that Kallis is even more skilled, a modern cricket legend currently seventh in the all-time list of career hundreds (with 27 centuries) and only the fourth player to reach 900 ICC rating points.

If there was a criticism it was that his focus on personal goals prevailed over team matters but lately, despite resigning as vice-captain, Kallis is saying all the right touchy-feely things about team spirit and group achievement.

Put simply, betting against Kallis is rarely profitable. His 'boys own' career is such that I wouldn't be surprised if he scored 50, took five wickets and then turned up in the South Africa front row to help win the rugby World Cup. Luckily for England he'll be Pakistan's problem in the 2nd ODI this weekend.

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